Dobbins ready for new challenge with Northwest Missouri track

Louisburg senior Mason Dobbins recently signed his letter of intent to join the Northwest Missouri State track and field program next year.

Two years ago, the trajectory of Mason Dobbins’ life changed. 

Dobbins and the Wildcat track team won the state championship — just the second in school history — and he played a big role in it. He earned a state medal in the 110-meter hurdles and the high jump.

“I knew after state sophomore year that track was something that I wanted to continue to do after high school,” Dobbins said. “The experience and feeling of winning that state championship with all of those guys was something that I hadn’t felt in any other sport. Also standing on that podium feels great and that is what I work towards every year.”

That season led to more state medals for Dobbins and another top three finish for Louisburg at the state meet the following year. 

All that success pushed Dobbins to the next hurdle in life — college track and field. 

Recently, Dobbins signed his letter of intent to join the Northwest Missouri State University track and field program next season. Competing at the college level was something Dobbins has been working toward and Northwest was the best fit for him.

“The first thing that stood out to me about Northwest was the atmosphere,” Dobbins said. “It gives you a good feeling when you are on that campus. Their track facilities are also another stand out to me and their indoor track is one of the nicest in the MIAA. They have a great program.”

One event Dobbins will definitely be competing at Northwest is the hurdles and for good reason. He is a two-time state medalist in the 110-meter high hurdles and has the top time in Class 4A this season.

He caught the hurdle bug early in high school and it was an event that got the Wildcats a lot of state points a year ago. Dobbins finished second, while Tom Koontz won the state title for the second year in a row, and teammate Nathan Apple was fourth. 

The Wildcat trio dominated meets throughout the season and the state level was no exception. That competition helped Dobbins become one of the best hurdlers in the state.

“Hurdles is such an interesting event that takes a lot of hard work and technique,” Dobbins said. “I think that is why I love it so much. Having three guys do so well at state the last couple years is so crazy and amazing to see happen.”

Dobbins is ready to push himself when he gets to college as he looks to give the decathlon and heptathlon a try. 

As for now, he is focused on his final season at Louisburg as he tries for his first individual state title and is ready to help his team reach the podium once again.

“My goals for this year is to run under 15 in the 110 hurdles and jump 6’6 in high jump,” Dobbins said. “However, winning state is the end goal and with the guys on the team this year, there is a good chance at it.”