The First-Timers
Several graduating seniors competing at the Kansas State Championships for the first time made their experience a memorable one.
Erick Villa of Garden City won the class 6A discus title (158-5), and Rachel Mayberry of Olathe Northwest won the girls class 6A pole vault (12-0). Adam Owens of Blue Valley pulled off an impressive double, winning the class 6A boys 1600 and 3200 meter runs.
Jonathon Lollar of Herington made good on his only appearance at state, winning the long jump and placing second in the triple jump.
Before this year, Collin Ellis of Clearwater had not competed in track and field since his junior high days, but won the class 4A boys state title in the javelin.