It was a day that Cody Holland has been working toward the entire season.

On Monday, the junior broke one of the oldest standing school records in track and field at NHS. The junior had throws of 171 feet and 175 feet to break the school record twice during competition of the Class 4 District 6 track and field meet at John F. Kennedy Stadium in Springfield.

Holland also won the shot put to account for 20 of the Wildcats’ 34 points in the boys standings. Neosho took 9th in the team standings.

Holland broke Rusty Woodall’s school record in the discus set in 1976. His throw of 171 feet broke the mark by four feet. His second throw broke the record by another four feet.

“That last throw looked even smaller than my first throw,” said Holland of the final throw.
“I’m pretty happy.”

After his throw of 171 feet, Holland waited and looked down at the measurements. After it was announced he ran over and gave coach Adam Martin a bear hug.

A few minutes later, Holland knew he would take first place and win his first district championship. He went into the ring and threw again and had the 175 feet toss.

“I haven’t leveled out yet, I can still improve,” said Holland.

He has gone from 164 feet at the Republic meet to 167 at the conference meet and then 175 on Monday.

“I have never threw well here, so I’m happy.”

Holland had a throw of 54 feet, 1 inch in the shot put to claim his second district championship on the day.

He is the only Wildcat athlete still alive as the rest of his teammates saw the season come to an end and no other individual or team placed in the top four at district to advance to Saturday’s sectional meet at Camdenton.

Ethan Adams got points for Neosho, taking seventh place in the 110-meter and 300-meter hurdles.

The rest of the day was close calls for Neosho. The 1,600-meter relay team placed fifth.
Zach Evans had a jump of 41-10 to take fifth in the triple jump.