The Meet of Champs has always been recognized as a showcase of the best of the best Track and Field athletes. The Meet of Champs is a competition between qualifiers at the state meets for the Arkansas and Oklahoma region. And this year the Wildcats sent four athletes to the 2012 Meet of Champs in Pearcy, AR at Lake Hamilton High School.

These athletes included seniors Byron Harrison and Valerie Reina, junior Dino Andrade, and sophomore Payton Stumbaugh.

“This was my first year to be invited to run the Meet of Champs for track,” said Andrade. “I was really excited to run.”

The big story for the Wildcats was Stumbaugh, who continued to dominate, even on such an elite stage. She competed in both running events and field events, she was the only Wildcat to compete both ways. Stumbaugh broke the Meet of Champs record for Women’s 300m Hurdles.

“I feel so honored to have my name on the record board, especially since it’s such a big meet,” said Stumbaugh.

Distance runners Andrade and Reina continued to compete in the 1,600m (1 mile) and 3,200m (2 mile). Reina was able to bring her decorated , Wildcat running career to a solid finish. And Andrade gave a glimpse of what his upcoming cross country season will be like.

Harrison was a last minute addition for the Wildcats, but he competed like he had been ready all season. He participated in shot put and threw 51’2″, which was good enough for a sixth place finish.