Photo: Maxx Bradley/MileSplit Kansas
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On a weekend that would typically be centered on the historic Kansas Relays, threats of severe weather and dangerous conditions prompted a lot of adjustments and shuffling around in the first year with the meet's absence.
The inaugural RunningLane Kansas City Relays got pushed to Saturday, the BV West ELITE Meet got postponed to yesterday, and some other meets across the state moved up their competition to ideally avoid the weather altogether.
As we inch closer to the in-state postseason, let's take a look at some of the top performers from this past weekend.
One of Andale's best had a stellar showing last week at the GBHS Jack Bowman Invitational, winning the 100m, 200m, 300mH, and finishing fourth in the long jump. On the track, Meyer ran 11.78, 25.05, and 44.68 - big PBs across the board. Her long jump mark was a little short of surpassing her previous best, but still jumped 17-6.75, a new SB.
At the GBHS Jack Bowman Invitational, Williams became the first athlete statewide to run sub-14 in the 110mH, clocking 13.92 as he picked up his third win in the event this season. Williams Doubled back to win the 300mH in a new SB of 38.06, one-tenth of a second shy of his lifetime best.
Six days removed from her strong day at the K-State Relays, Zeka took her talents to the ESU High School Classic Relays, finishing first, second, and sixth in the high jump, long jump, and the 100mH. Clearing 5-8, Zeka won her fourth consecutive high jump competition as she noticed her second-best clearance this spring. Proving she's more than a field phenom, the junior also finished runner-up in the 200m, running 22.34.
One of many athletes who took care of business ahead of last week's severe weather, Carr shined at the GBHS Jack Bowman Invitational, sweeping the 100m and 200m. Carr broke 10.5 for the first time ever, running 10.46 to join a list of 34 other Kansas high schoolers who have ever accomplished the feat. He also ran the fastest time this season in the 200m, stopping the clock at 21.81. He is ranked No. 3 and No. 2 in both events across all classes.
Kaylie Shultz, Salina Central:
The junior had herself a day against fields loaded with talent, winning the 3200m and finishing runner-up in the mile at the RunningLane Kansas City Relays. In her eight-lap jaunt, Shultz broke 10:30 for the first time in her career, running 10:27.01 to become the sixth-fastest Kansan in state history. Her 4:56 mile win marked her first trip under 5:00 this season, the only Kansas athlete to do so in the race.
A week ago today at the 60th Annual Lester Garber Relays, Bishop launched the shot put 63-6 to become the second athlete to eclipse the 60-0 barrier. Heading into the competition, the junior had a PB of 60-7, shattering that by nearly three feet wo pick up his second win of the season. He also finished runner-up in the discus, throwing 138-6, the second-best throw of his junior campaign.
The defending 5A runner-up in both the long and triple jump took care of business at the Manhattan Varsity Invite, winning both horizontal jumps. In the long jump, Newland jumped 18-6.5, and followed that up with a 39-3.25 mark in the triple jump, a new SB. One of the top jumpers in the state, Newland has a strong chance to sweep both events at Cessna next month.
Logan Clay, Wichita Collegiate:
The best discus thrower Kansas has to offer did it again last week, winning his fourth straight competition in the process. Clay nearly joined the 200-0 club, walking away from the ESU High School Classic Relays with a shiny PB of 199-6, the state lead and sixth-best throw in state history. He's currently ranked as the 10th-best discus thrower nationwide.
Arguably one of the most well-rounded athletes across the state, Liggett flexed her range once again, this time at the Hill City Invitational. Winning the 100m in a new SB of 12.39, Liggett added a lifetime best in the long jump (18-1.5) and a runner-up finish in the triple jump. The All-State cross country runner and state-champion sprinter continues to fire on all cylinders as she wraps up her high school career.
Deniston took a business trip to the RunningLane Kansas City Relays and didn't waste the opportunity, finishing runner-up in the 3200m and 10th in the mile, running a pair of lifetime bests. In the 3200m, Deniston finished in 9:12.58, and was just six seconds back of the winner. His mile performance left his previous 1600m best in the dust, running 4:13.77, the third-fastest performance there from a Kansan behind Daniel Enriquez (4:09.4) and Brody Anderson (4:09.65).
Photo: Maxx Bradley/MileSplit Kansas
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