Joplin, area girls shine at Carthage Invite

Local high school athletes excel at annual track and field competition

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:37pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic motion and energy of a high school track and field competition, with overlapping planes of color and form representing the athletes' movements.Joplin-area girls' track and field teams demonstrate their regional dominance with standout results at the Carthage Invitational.Carthage Today

Girls from Joplin, Carthage, Carl Junction, and McDonald County high schools had strong showings at the 42nd annual Carthage Invitational track and field meet on Thursday, with several athletes placing in various events.

Why it matters

The Carthage Invitational is a prestigious regional track and field competition that attracts top talent from across southwest Missouri. Strong performances by local athletes demonstrate the depth of girls' track and field programs in the Joplin area.

The details

The meet featured numerous standout individual and relay team efforts by girls from the Joplin, Carthage, Carl Junction, and McDonald County high school programs. Several athletes medaled in their respective events, showcasing the athletic prowess of the region's young female competitors.

  • The 42nd annual Carthage Invitational track and field meet took place on Thursday, April 3, 2026.

The players

Joplin High School

A public high school located in Joplin, Missouri that competes in the Ozark Conference.

Carthage High School

A public high school located in Carthage, Missouri that competes in the Central Ozark Conference.

Carl Junction High School

A public high school located in Carl Junction, Missouri that competes in the Big 8 Conference.

McDonald County High School

A public high school located in Anderson, Missouri that competes in the Big 8 Conference.

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The takeaway

The strong performances by girls from the Joplin area at the Carthage Invitational showcase the depth of talent in local high school track and field programs, and the continued growth of girls' sports in the region.