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80th Kansas Relays

Lawrence KS
Wed.-Sat., April 18-21, 2007

Coverage by Tony Bozarth

Friday Results - Deltatiming results page - Saturday results - Event Summaries -

Stunning Efforts by Trimble, Mitchell Bookend 80th Relays

Top Highights

  • Iain Trimble of Shawnee Heights KS hurls JT a US#1 214-09 Friday to beat a field of 190-footers.
  • Raytown South MO's Maurice Mitchell blazes a 10.26w 100 Saturday, winning by a huge .43. Though aided by a 2.3 breeze, it's the #1 all-conditions mark this year
  • Clearwater KS's Luke Bryant tops revered DT meet record with powerful 198-00.
  • DeAngela McDougald of Junction City KS runs 55.17 meet record 400, overcoming Leavenworth's Kendra Bradley (55.49).

More Saturday Highlights
  • Alishea Usery of McCluer South-Berkeley MO continues dominating weekend with 11.57w 100 win. She also hit 53-high, reportedly, in anchoring her school's 3:55.23 4x4 victory. In her 100 heats Friday, she set a relays record 11.63 legal.
  • Kansas City's Andre McDonald (Park Hill) lso completes a fine weekend, with last try long jump win with 23-03.25.
  • Hometown fave Free State (Lawrence) dominates 4x200 in 1:28.03
  • Potosi MO's Josh Thebeau pulls away from Fredonia KS's Lane Boyer in 1600, 4:16.87-4:17.89
  • Burlington KS's Katie Guevel rips to 14.10w in 100H
  • Allen KS's Jacquelyne Leffler (Northern Heights HS) almost hits 150 in the DT with a 6th-round 149-11.
More Friday Highlights
  • Blue Valley NW jr Laura Roxberg wins 800 in 2:12.45
  • Clinton MO's Hope Harris takes the JT at 150-04
  • Kearney NE's Noah Keller wins SP in 61-00.75
  • Great Bend's Larissa Richards rules SP in 45-09.25
  • Kansas City's Andre McDonald wins TJ by 1/4 inch in 46-10.75, but suffers even narrower loss in HJ, clearing 6-10 with Bonner Springs Eddie McClain (6-10) winning on misses.
  • Natalie Willer of Elkhorn NE vaults a relays record 12-04 for victory.
  • Dan Quigley of Christian Bros. MO tops Fredonia KS's Lane Boyer in 3200, 9:15.70-9:20.41
  • Foot Locker Finalist Emily Sisson takes the 3200 in 10:54.72
  • McCluer South Berkley fr Kianna Ruff sets relays 400 record in her heat at 55.61.
  • Jenks OK's Stuart Sparks wins PV in 15-06.
  • Bobby Potrykus of Conifer CO wins 800 in 1:54.67
  • Kansas City's Richard Lowe (Ruskin HS) nips Lee's Summit North's Darius Walker in 300H, 38.73-38.79.

Event Summaries
by Tony Bozarth

Saturday girls - Saturday boys - Friday girls - Friday boys - Meet Preview

Blustery winds, warm temps, and sunny skies lead to one of the fastest and deepest relays in years. Saturday saw meet records in the 400, Sunflower 4 x 100, 4 x 200, Sunflower 4 x 400. But the biggest story Saturday was Maurice Mitchell's wind-aided but blazing 10.26. On the field, it was Luke Bryant (Clearwater) and his 198-0 discus throw. Clint Johnson, the former record-holder in the DT, was the first to offer congratulations.


Saturday Girls

Girls 100: Alishea Usery (McCluer South-Berkeley MO) continued her dominating weekend, blasting from the line and roaring to a wind-aided 11.57. Audacia Moore (Heights, Wichita 11.72) was a clear second with Kendra Bradley (Leavenworth) and Emily Blok (Conifer CO) running so close they were declared tied for third at 12.13. Arianne Jordan (Blue Springs MO) was a close fifth at 12.19.

Girls 400: Back and forth they went in the 400, as first Kianna Ruff (McCluer South-Berkeley MO), then Kendra Bradley (Leavenworth), and finally De Angela McDougald (Junction City) drove into the lead on the homestretch in a race that brought the fans to their feet. McDougald's late rush brought her home in a KU Relays Record 55.17, with Bradley also under the old record at 55.49. The McCluer-South Berkeley MO duo of Ruff (56.26) and Angel Williams (57.42) were third and fourth, with Lauren Eck (Beloit) a close fifth at 57.49.

Girls 4 x 100 Sunflower Showdown: Olathe East jumped out to an early lead, and roared to a dominating 49.99 Kansas Relays Record in the Sunflower Showdown division. Topeka High (51.62) edged Parsons (51.71) for second, with Shawnee Heights (Topeka) fourth 52.06 and Manhattan (52.53) fifth.

Girls 4 x 100 Final: Another meet record!! Union (Tulsa OK) zipped over the track and fought the homestretch headwind best to record a 48.21, holding off Leavenworth (2nd 48.44), Grandview MO (48.65), Blue Springs MO (49.06) and Junction City (49.13) in an exciting race.

Girls 4 x 200: Union (Tulsa OK 1:41.25) and Leavenworth (1:41.45) waged a tremendous battle, with both breaking the Kansas Relays Record. Not only that, but speed was at a premium today. Center (Kansas City MO 1:42.30) was also under the old record in third, while Junction City (1:43.79) also broke the record with a section two win. Raytown South MO (1:45.12) and Grandview MO (1:45.99) were fifth and sixth.

Girls 4 x 880: McCluer South-Berkeley MO anchor Kianna Ruff broke from a tight pack with a lap to go, leading her team to a 9:51.23 win. St. Thomas Aquinas (Overland Park 9:55.18) dueled with Lawrence (9:55.58) for second, while Leavenworth (10:00.86), Emporia (10:02.17) and Olathe East (10:02.25) raced in for fourth, fifth and sixth in a crowded field.

Girls Sprint Medley Relay: An interesting match-up came to nought, as McCluer South- Berkeley MO and Leavenworth were in separate sections. McCluer South-Berkeley won in dominating fashion, running 4:08.82, while Leavenworth's second section 4:15.29 win held for second overall. Emporia was third at 4:18.87, holding off Center (Kansas City MO 4:19.81.)

Girls 100H Final: Katie Guevel (Burlington) showed speed and poise, ripping over the barriers to a very fast (though wind-aided) 14.10 win. Melesa Johnson (Bishop Miege, Shawnee Mission) was a clear second at 14.46, with Tiffany McReynolds (Pembroke Hill, Kansas City MO) third at 14.87, just ahead of Tiana Davis (Park Hill, Kansas City MO 14.99). Tasheena Pittman (Grandview MO) was fifth at 15.13.

Girls 1600: Homestretch strength into a strong headwind was the key, as a large pack of ladies went through quarter splits of 75-2:31 and 3:50 before Jen Webbers (Conifer CO) opened a large lead on the turn with just under a 400 to go. Webers appeared to have stolen the race, but around the last turn Laura Roxberg (Blue Valley Northwest) quickly closed the gap and shot to the lead. But as Roxberg roared down the homestretch, Webers fought back, and Alyssa Allison (Festus MO) turned on the jets with 70 to go. The three waged a thrilling duel, with Allison winning in 5:01.91, with a last 400 in the 69 range. Webers was second (5:02.34), just edging Roxberg (5:02.38). 3200 winner Emily Sisson (Marian, Omaha NE) was fourth at 5:07.56, and Heather Garcia (Baldwin 5:08.60) and Sara Vaughn (Union, Tulsa OK 5:09.47) also went under 5:10 in a very deep race.

Girls 4 x 400 Sunflower Showdown: Concordia ran a strong looking 4:07.51 to set another Relays Record, with El Dorado (4:09.59) second and Independent (Wichita) 4:10.33) and Olathe East (4:13.17) in third and fourth.

Girls 4 x 400 Final: McCluer South-Berkeley MO capped a dominating weekend by winning a very fast 4 x 400. MS-B won as Alesha Usery clocked a final leg in the high 53 range to win in 3:55.23. Union (Tulsa OK) was second at 3:56.97 and Leavenworth (3:58.70) was third with high class anchors of their own. Lawrence (4:01.54) and Ft. Osage (Independence MO 4:02.12) were fourth and fifth.

Girls Long Jump (nwi): Shawnte Middlebrook (Lee's Summit West MO) lept over 18 feet twice, with her 18-2.5 in round five winning the event. Sara Wetzel (Silver Lake) jumped 17-9.75 for second, edging Julia Zeiner (Marion 17-6.25), with Latanya Short (Grandview MO) close in fourth at 17-6. Katyln Merrill (Olathe Northwest 17-4.5 in 5th) and Lindsay Lippert (Wamego 17-0.75 in 6th) completed the 17 foot jumpers.

Girls Discus: A strong cross wind, and this year's new narrower sectors appeared to hamper many of the discus throwers early, but after an early foul, Jacquelyne Leffler (Northern Heights, Allen) launched a 145 footer on her second throw to begin the event in earnest. Leffler clinched the win with a soaring 149-11 toss in round six. Alex Hartig (Great Bend), just a freshman, took second with a third round 139-11. Chelsie Bonds (Wichita Southeast) moved to third with a last-round 139-2, just ahead of Terri Anderson (Haysville Campus, Wichita 136-6. Megan Collins (Lee's Summit North MO 129-8) and Peoples Kearnsten (Ottawa, another frosh 128-5) were fifth and sixth.

Girls 100H Prelims (all wind aided): Whitney Sorell (Concordia) added another impressive flight, after leading Concordia to yesterday's shuttle hurdle win. Sorell cruised to a 15.45 win, well up on Olathe Northwest's Kyle Seurer (16.30).
Heat Two: Tashenna Pittman (Grandview MO) jumped to a quick start, winning in 15.33 with Tayquela Green (Leavenworth) second at 15.46.
Heat Three: Melesa Johnson (Bishop Miege, Shawnee Mission) ran 14.97 for the day's first sub-15.00, with Tiffany McReynolds (Pembroke Hill, Kansas City MO) pressing the whole way with a 15.06.
Heat 4: Tiana Davis (Park Hill, Kansas City MO) hurdled to a 15.22, with Alex Muff (Concordia) also qualifying at 15.35.
Heat 5: Katie Guevel (Burlington) dashed to a heat leading 14.74 in impressive fashion, with Jenny Welker (Pretty Prairie) second at 15.54.
Heat Six: Sarah Warth (Kearney NE) won in 15.46, just edging Meter Boman (Neosho MO 15.47) in a photo-finish.



Saturday Boys

Boys 100 Final: Maurice Mitchell (Raytown South MO) was known to be fast, but it's hard to describe the astonishment his 10.26 (2.3 wind) sent through the crowd Saturday. Mitchell simply bolted from a deep field and ran away with every step. Evan Pierson (Olathe South 10.69) was quick in second, with Dee Bell (Olathe East) third in 10.89, edging Jermaine Saffold (Grandview MO 10.91 4th), Brijesh Lawrence (Omaha Northwest NE 10.91 5th) and Justin Woods (Mill Valley, Shawnee 10.94 6th).

Boys Discus: Luke Bryant (Clearwater) broke one of the KU Relays oldest and most revered marks, launching the platter 198-0 to break Clint Johnson's 196-5 from 1980, when Johnson held the HS Record.
Who was the first to congratulate Bryant? The aforementioned Clint Johnson, now throws coach at his alma mater, Shawnee Mission South. John Talbert, a home-schooled Wichita native, was second with a last round 182-4. Kyle Wheeler (Millard South, Omaha NE 168-9) was third, Kirt Nichols (Junction City 167-110 was fourth, and Justin Holmes (Shawnee Mission South) fifth at 165-9. Blustery winds made for tough throwing conditions.

Boys 4 x 100 Sunflower Showdown: Topeka High zipped to a Relays Record 43.03 to win the Sunflower Showdown, with Washington (Kansas City) second at 43.65. Olathe North (44.20), Heights (Wichita 44.30) and Olathe Northwest (44.32) followed.

Boys 4 x 100 Final: Omaha Central NE dominated the race, winning in 42.74. Olathe South's Evan Pierson ran a big anchor to bring his squad home second in 43.31, edging Kearney NE 43.33, with Harmon (Kansas City) a close fourth at 43.39. Liberty MO was fifth at 43.90

Boys 4 x 800 Final: In a tight race with numerous changes in the lead pack, Lee's Summit North (8:09.33) edged Shawnee Mission West (8:09.98) in the homestretch to win. Union (Tulsa OK) was third in 8:13.56, with Olathe East fourth (8:17.55) and Heights (Wichita) fifth at 8:22.76.

Boys 400 Final: Chris Leibrand (Park Hill South, Kansas City MO) fought through tough homestretch winds best to run 49.69, edging Redell Frazier (Harmon, Kansas City 49.77) for the win. Keron Toussaint (Free State, Lawrence) ran 49.99 for third, edging Darius Johnson (Ottawa 50.02). Michael Reimer (Ashland) was fifth at 50.24.

Boys 4 x 200 Final: Free State (Lawrence) stormed to the lead with Christian Ballard, a 6-4, 275 lb all-state tackle leading the charge, and won in 1:28.03. Lee's Summit North (1:30.07) was second and Grandview MO (1:30.38) edged Liberty MO (1:30.62) and McCluer South-Berkeley MO (1:30.73) for third.

Boys Sprint Medley Relay Final: Raytown South MO jumped to an early lead and held on for a 3:37.69 win. Ruskin (Kansas City MO) was second (3:40.11), edging Shawnee Mission Northwest (3:40.26) with Free State (Lawrence) fourth at 3:43.36.

Boys 1600: Blustery winds slowed the pace, but not competition. A tight pack of athletes appeared to be controlled by the Potosi MO duo of Josh Thebeau and Josh Mathis, but lurking close were 3200 winner Dan Quigley (CBC, St. Louis MO) and Lane Boyer (Fredonia). On the last lap, Thebeau broke away on the backstretch, with Quigley following. Boyer made a spirited attack around the last turn, but Thebeau pulled away down the homestretch for 4:16.87 win, with Boyer second at 4:17.89. Quigley was third in 4:19.12, with Evan Appel (Dakota Ridge CO fourth at 4:20.64) and Mathis fifth 4:21.61.

Boys 4 x 400 Sunflower Showdown: Olathe Northwest set a new Relays Sunflower mark, winning in 3:29.16, with Wichita Southeast (3:30.22) and Blue Valley (3:30.53) close. Dodge City (3:31.64) and Bishop Carroll (Wichita 3:32.15) were fourth and fifth.

Boys 4 x 400 Final: Ruskin (Kansas City MO) jumped to the lead on leg three and rolled on to a 3:22.22 win. Lee's Summit North MO 3:25.21 held off Free State (Lawrence)'s late charge (3:26.50) and Shawnee Mission Northwest (3:27.11) was fourth.

Boys Long Jump (nwi): Andre McDonald (Park Hill, Kansas City MO) popped a 23-3.25 on his last jump to take the win from Bobby Carter (Lee's Summit West MO) who popped a 22-11.75 on his last jump. Terry Grimmett (Raytown South MO) took third with a best jump of 22-6.25 in a consistent series with four 22+ jumps. Aryan Long (Olathe North 22-5) was fourth and Richard McCoy (Blue Valley West 22-1.75) fifth.


Boys 110H Prelims: Heat 1(1.9 wind): Keith Hayes (Wichita Southeast) cruised to a 14.55 wind, well up on Brian Woods (Olathe Northwest 15.06).
Heat 2 (3.5): Andrew Plentl (Marble Falls TX) zipped to an impressive 14.28 win, with Andrew Pennington (Shawnee Mission East 14.98 second).
Heat 3 (2.6): Andre McDonald (Park Hill, Kansas City MO) ran an impressive 14.18, with Jonathan Walker (Harmon, Kansas City) second at 15.08.
Heat 4 (1.7): Darius Walker (Lee's Summit North MO) hurdled 14.56, with Courtney Hines (Shawnee Mission Northwest) second at 15.28.
Heat 5 (2.7): Marty Pfannenstiel (Silver Lake) ran 14.70 to edge Lawson Montgomery (Bennington 14.74).



Friday Girls

Girls Javelin: Hope Harris (Clinton MO) may not get to through the spear in Missouri meets, but she made her visit to Kansas a good one, launching the javelin 150-4 to win. Ali Pistora (Tonganoxie) was second at 146-6, edging Heather Bergmann (Concordia 146-5). Roxi Grizzle (Tonganoxie) was fourth at 144-10.

Girls Shot: Eight broke 40 feet, with Larissa Richards (Great Bend) topping the deep field at 45-9.25. Rickael Roach (Lutheran South, St. Louis MO) was close at 45-9.25 in second, with Alex Hartig (Great Bend) third at 44-8.25. Brittany Borman (Festus MO 43-4.5) and Jacquelyne Leffler (Northern Heights, Allen 43-1.5) were fourth and fifth.

Girls Triple Jump: Melesa Johnson (Bishop Miege, Shawnee Mission) lept 37-10.75 to win, with Katlyn Merrill (Olathe Northwest 37-1.5) second and Katy Thomas (Park Hill South, Kansas City MO 36-11.5) third.

Girls Pole Vault: Natalie Willer (Elkhorn NE) lept a Kansas Relays Record 12-4 to win the title. Julia Cummings (Shawnee Mission South) was second at 11-6, with Cami Jiskra (North Star, Lincoln NE) jumped 11-0 to shade four others for third at the same height.

Girls High Jump: In an exciting four-way jump-off, Courtney Barber (Lawrence) won, with a height of 5-5 and set off on an exuberant celebration. Olathe East's Ashley Reid was second at the same height, with Allison Mayfield (St. Thomas Aquinas, Overland Park) and Tyse Samani (North Kansas City MO) third and fourth.

Girls 4 x mile Relay: Distance arch-rivals Lee's Summit North MO (22:18.27) and Liberty MO (22:25.24) battled throughout, with Lee's Summit North pulling away late. Kearney MO was third at 22:34.73, with Blue Springs fourth at 22:46.23. Leavenworth was the first Kansas squad, in fifth at 22:50.65.

Girls Shuttle Hurtle Relay: Concordia jumped to an early lead and made it stick, winning in 1:04.17. Kearney NE was second at 1:05.53, with Neosho MO third at 1:07.84.

Girls 100 Heats: Heat 1: Kendra Bradley (Leavenworth) runs 12.11 to win.
Heat 2: Sylvia Anderson (Wichita Southeast) goes 12.32 to win.
Heat 3: Alishea Usery (McCluer South-Berkeley MO) blasts out of the blocks and roars to a Kansas Relays record 11.63!!! Emily Blok (Conifer CO) is second at 12.08 and Ariane Jordan (Blue Springs MO) is third at 12.19.
Heat 4: Audacia Moore (Heights, Wichita) wins in 11.94.
Heat 5: Bridgette Kendricks (Parsons) wins in 12.43.

Girls 3200: Emily Sisson (Marian, Omaha) controlled the pace and the race throughout, running off to a 10:54.72 win. Jen Webers (Conifer CO) moved best in a close pack to take second in 11:09.60, with Sara Vaughn (Union, Tulsa OK) third at 11:10.57. Brittany Graff (Eudora) was first Kansan, fourth at 11:16.90, with Sisson's team mate Kelli Budd fifth at 11:20.63.

Girls 4 x 100 Heats: Heat 1: Leavenworth cruises a 48.64.
Heat 2: Bishop Miege (Shawnee Mission) goes 49.14 for an easy win.
Heat 3: Grandview (MO) goes 48.58 to win a close one with Wichita Southeast (48.66).
Heat 4: De Angel McDougald shows a lot of speed, anchoring Junction City to a 49.05 win. Blue Springs is second at 49.34.
Heat 5: Raytown South MO goes 49.30. Heat 6: Union (Tulsa OK) runs a heat leading 48.35. Heat

Girls Distance Medley Relay: Katie Coomer anchored St. Thomas Aquinas (Overland Park) to a 12:48.15 win, with Blue Valley West second at 12:51.12 and Lee's Summit North MO third at 12:57.52.

Girls 400 Heats: Heat 1: Kendra Bradley (Leavenworth) drills a 56.63 to win, with Kristina Taylor (Lawrence) second at 58.65.
Heat 2: Kristen Gillespie (Shawnee Mission South 58.64) edges Racquel Powell (Raytown South MO 58.65).
Heat 3: Freshman Kianna Ruff (McCluer South Berekely) blasts a Kansas Relays record 55.61 to win, wowwing the crowd!
Heat 4: De Angela McDougald (Junction City) shows great late race strength, winning in 56.02 to challenge Ruff's mark. Lauren Eck (Beloit) is second at 58.56.
Heat 5: Angel Williams give McCluer South-Berkeley two finalists, winning in 58.36.

Girls 300 Hurdles: Emily Ballock (Eudora 44.56) and Katie Guevel (Burlington 44.74) thrilled the crowd with a close duel to the tape. High-jump winner Courtney Barber (Lawrence 45.96) was fourth overall, as Tifffany McReynolds (Pembroke Hill, Kansas City MO) ran 45.82 to win section four

Girls 800: Laura Roxberg (Blue Valley Northwest) moved best late to win in 2:12.45. Roxberg held off the home-stretch challenge of Alyssa Allison (Festus MO 2:14.87). Lauren Eck (Beloit) charged the homestretch for third 2:15.19, with Layne Moore (Emporia) fourth at 2:16.81.

Girls 4 x 400 Heats: Heat 1: Hutchinson runs 4:09.99 to win.
Heat 2: Ft. Osage (Independence) looks solid with a 4:03.23.
Heat 3: Leavenworth goes 4:00.83 to win easily.
Heat 4: Festus MO runs 4:05.36, with an impressive anchor from Alyssa Allison.
Heat 5: Lawrence (4:04.07) and Wichita Southeast 4:04.77 duel to the line.
Heat 6: Union (Tulsa OK) turns up the heat with the first sub 4:00 of the evening (3:58.52).
Heat 7: McCluer South-Berekely MO turns the heat to a boil with a scarily easy looking 3:54.46.



Friday Boys

Boys Javelin: Iain Trimble (Shawnee Heights, Topeka) tosses 214-9 to win. Austin Bramen (Chanute 194-10) and Brett Trudo (Wamego 192-6) also over 190.

Boys Shot: Noah Keller (Kearney NE) breaks 60 feet, tossing 61-0.75. Jacob Crossman (Haysville Campus, Wichita 59-7.75) and Ronnell Jones (Ruskin, Kansas City MO 56-6) take second and third.

Boys Triple Jump: Andre McDonald (Park Hill, Kansas City MO 46-10.75) edges Aryan Long (Olathe North 46-10.5). Stanley Smith (Omaha Central NE 46-9.25) is a close third, with Josh Honeycutt (Iola 46-0) also over 46 on a day with trick crosswinds.

Boys Pole Vault: Stuart Sparks (Jenks OK) thrills the crowd with some close attempts at 16-0, but settles for a 15-6 win. Cooper Merrill (Blue Valley Northwest 14-6) and Danny Berks (Lincoln Northeast NE) tie for second, with Chase Cooper (Smoky Hill, Aurora CO) over the same height in fourth.

Boys High Jump: Eddie McClain (Bonner Springs) won the event on misses at 6-10, just a day after jumping 6-9 at his school's host invite. McClain shaded Andre McDonald (Park Hill, Kansas City MO, also 6-10). Patric Jackson (Wichita Southeast) and Kevin Logan (Lawrence) tied for third at 6-6.

Boys 4 x 1600: Lee's Summit North MO cruised to an 18:43.31 win, with Union (Tulsa OK) second at 18:51.62. Lee's Summi West MO (18:55.62) held off SLUH (St. Louis MO 18:58.87) for third. Bishop Carroll (Wichita) was the top Kansas squad in fifth at 19:03.41.

Boys Shuttle Hurdle Relay:
Shawnee Mission Northwest cruised to a 1:04.69 win, dominating the field. Rockhurst (Kansas City MO) was second at 1:05.67, with Raymore-Peculiar MO (1:06.21) edging Free State (Lawrence) for third by a hundreth.

Boys 4 x 100 Prelims: Heat 1: Harmon (Kansas City) goes 43.58 for a solid win.
Heat 2: Shawnee Heights (Topeka) wins in 43.86.
Heat 3: Raytown South MO, with Maurice Mitchell on the anchor, to 42.86, with Kearney NE second at 43.13.
Heat 4: Olathe East anchor Dee Bell brings the Hawks from the pack to a clear win in 43.71.
Heat 5: Omaha Central NE blasts a 42.47 to win, with Liberty MO second at 43.20.
Heat 6: Olathe South cruises a 42.86.

Boys 3200: Dan Quigley (CBC, St. Louis MO) won a battle of sub-9:10 3200 men, surging the turns to pull away from Lane Boyer (Fredonia) and eventually win in 9:15.70 to Boyer's 9:20.41. Todd Guliza (Millard South, Omaha NE) surged late to run 9:21.50, with Evan Appel (Dakota Ridge CO 9:22.41) close behind. Seven broke 9:30.

Boys 100 Prelims: Heat 1: Justin Woods (Mill Valley, Shawnee) shoots to a 10.92.
Heat 2: Evan Pierson (Olathe South) moves well throughout to win in 10.65.
Heat 3: Maurice Mitchell (Raytown South MO) displays impressive power to win in 10.46, well up on Brijesh Lawrence (Omaha Northwest 10.83).
Heat 4: Thomas Brown (Fulton MO) goes 10.71 with Dee Bell (Olathe East) second at 10.85.
Heat 5: Jermaine Saffold (Grandview MO) runs 10.97.
Heat 6: Khalil Mitchell (Topeka High) runs 10.90 to win.

Boys 300H: Richard Lowe (Ruskin, Kansas City MO 38.73) and Darius Walker (Lee's Summit North MO 38.79) thrilled the crowd with a should-to-shoulder duel to the tape, with Lowe winning on a dive that turned into a should-roll back to his feet. Andrew Pennington (Shawnee Mission East) was third at 39.76.

Boys 800: Bobby Potrykus (Conifer CO) controlled the race, and fended off numerous backstretch and homestretch challenges to win in 1:54.67. Joshua Cherry (McCook NE) challenged Potrykus throughout, placing second at 1:55.58. Jake Stecklein (Maize 1:56.34) edged Sloane Kern (Great Bend 1:56.83) for fourth.

Boys 400 prelims:
Heat 1: Keron Toussaint (Free State, Lawrence) runs 49.49, with Kevin Okonta (Liberty MO) second at 50.16.
Heat 2: Michael Reimer (Ashland) runs 49.91 to edge Darius Johnson (Ottawa 49.96).
Heat 3: Ethan Holloway (Olathe Northwest) runs 50.30 for a solid win.
Heat 4: Ryan Blackwell (Westminster Christian) blasts the field in 49.20.
Heat 5: Chris Leibrand (Park Hill South, Kansas City MO) runs 49.06 to edge Redell Frazier (Harmon, Kansas City 49.29).

Boys 4 x 400 prelims: Heat 1: McCluer South-Berkeley MO goes 3:27.18 to shade Lindbergh (St. Louis MO 3:28.62.
Heat 2: Shawnee Mission Northwest runs 3:27.82 for a solid win.
Heat 3: Omaha Central NE runs a quick 3:24.61, with Keron Toussaint bringing Free State to second on the anchor at 3:25.43.
Heat 4: Holland Hall TX goes 3:27.62.
Heat 5: Rockhurst (Kansas City MO) goes 3:32.37.
Heat 6: Ruskin (Kansas City MO) cruises a 3:24.93, with Olathe Northwest (3:27.18) second.
Heat 7: Lee's Summit North MO goes 3:26.08.

Boys Distance Medley Relay: Oak Park (Kansas City MO) broke away on the final leg to run to a solid 10:41.49 win. Lee's Summit North MO (10.49.01) won a home-stretch duel with Union (Tulsa OK 10:52.75) with St. Thomas Aquinas (Overland Park) the top Kansas squad at 10:57.88 in fourth.





Meet Preview by Tony Bozarth


Boys Field

Throws:
  • Whoa!! Javelin fans take note!! With eight 190-plus throwers in the field, the KU Relays may be the best high school javelin meet of the season! Iain Trimble (Shawnee Heights, Topeka 212-3) leads the seeds, with Luke Laird, a 5A rival from Gardner-Edgerton 199-6 next in line. With a field this deep, let's just list them: Garrett Hiebert (Goessel 198-8), Austin Bramen (Chanute, seeded 197-7, but with a 200+ toss reported this week), Brett Trudo (Wamego 195-10.5, Chris Ronen (Newton 191-11), Heath Redding (Waverly 191-2) and Travis Tannahill (Olathe East 190-9).
  • This discus also could be a landmark competition. Luke Bryant (Clearwater KS) leads the way at 196-9, and with a reported 206+ foul Monday at the Andover Relays. But Andover also saw John Talbert (home-schooled, Wichita) reach 184-5 (and hammer over 190) to defeat Bryant. A re-match is clearly on. But don't count out Dakota Smith (Ft. Osage, Independence MO 182-6) or a host of other top throwers in the field.
Jumps:
  • The pole vault is always a fan favorite at KU, back to the 1980's when Joe Dial was setting high school records here. Mickey Defilippo (MICDS, St. Louis MO) is top seed at 15-6, with fellow Missourian Scott Betscher (Lee's Summit North MO) second at 15-3. Chase Cooper (Smoky Hill, Aurora CO 15-1.5) and Stuart Sparks (Jenks OK 15-1) are seeded third and fourth. The top Kansas seeds have interesting KU Relays connections. Cooper Merrill (Blue Valley North, Overland Park 15-0) is coached by former KU vault guru Rick Attig, now the head track coach at BV North. Zach Steffen (Bishop Carroll, Wichita 15-0) is the nephew of long-time meet announcer Don Steffen.
  • Four jumpers are seeded over 23 feet in the long jump with the top seed going to John Hinchey (Kearney 23-11). Andrew Plentl (Marble Falls TX 23-3) is also a hurdle/ high jump favorite, while Andre' McDonald (Park Hill, Kansas City MO 23-2) is also a high jump favorite. Richard McCoy (Blue Valley West, Overland Park 23-1) is the other seed over 23.
  • Since we've already mentioned it, the high jump will be another highlighted event. Andre' McDonald (Park Hill, Kansas City MO) jumped 7-0 for the top seed at the Park Hill South Relays earlier this year. Andrew Plentl (Marble Falls TX) has a 6-11 mark, while Patric Jackson (Wichita Southeast), Kevin Logan (Lawrence) and Taylor McFee (Joplin MO) all have 6-8 marks.
  • In the triple jump, the many time aforementioned Andre' McDonald (Park Hill, Kansas City MO) is a favorite with a 47-4.5 mark, although Stanley Smith (Omaha Central NE) is top seed off is 47-9.5 mark. Smith has already been over 47 this season. Ryan Blackwell (Westminster Christain MO) is the third seed at 47-3. Josh Honeycutt (Iola) has the top Kansas seed at 46-3.

Boys Running

Relays:
  • According to the seeding charts, the shuttle hurdle relay may be one of the closest races of the meet! Omaha Central NE and Shawnee Mission North (Overland Park) are tied for top seed at 1:04.0, with Shawnee Mission Northwest (Shawnee) and Free State (Lawrence) each within two tenths of those two.
  • The distance medley relay has traditional power Oak Park (Kansas City MO) as the top seed at 10:35.24, with conference arch rival Lee's Summit North MO seeded second at 10:40.24. Blue Valley (Stillwell) is seeded third at 10:42.24. Kansas 5A rivals Bishop Carroll (Wichta 10:46.56) and 5A XC team champ St. Thomas Aquinas (Overland Park 10:50.24) top Kansas seeds.
  • The 4 x 100 features speed in abundance, with traditional sprint power Topeka High the top seed at 41.60. Omaha Central NE (42.34), Shawnee Mission North (Overland Park 42.44) and Free State (Lawrence 42.70) are the other sub 43 flat seeds.
  • The 4 x 400 is always a huge highlight of the meet, both in the culminating final, but perhaps even more so in the Friday night heats, when wave after wave of quarter-mile sprint around the track. Lee's Summit North MO is the favorite seed at 3:23.34. Arch western Kansas rivals Great Bend (3:24.0) and Hays (3:24.19) are seeded 2-3, with Bishop Carroll (Wichita) fourth at 3:24.34.
  • Always an interesting race to start the meet off, Friday morning's 4 x 1600 is a distance fan's favorite. Hutchinson has the top seed time at 18:15.00. Lee's Summit North, off a strong XC season, is the second seed at 18:28.24, while Union (Tulsa OK 18:40.24) and Lee's Summit West MO (18:45.24) are also strong. Watch SLUH (St. Louis), who also had a very strong XC season.
  • In the sprint medley relay, Abilene, home of Dwight Eisenhower, and a long time Kansas track power, has the top seed at 3:35.44. Raytown South MO (3:35.84) has shown strong speed early this season, with Bishop Carroll (Wichita 3:36.24) and Hutchinson (3:36.54) the other top four seeds.
  • Raytown South MO will parlay the aforementioned speed as the top seed in the 4 x 200 at 1:27.72. Parson (1:28.24) and Olathe East (1:28.24) are tied for second seed, with Olathe Northwest (1:29.28) also a favorite.
  • The boy's 4 x 800 appears to be a wide-open race, with Ruskin (Kansas City MO) turning in the top seed at 8:01.15. Lee's Summit North MO (8:03.24), Dakota Ridge CO (8:03.38) and Union (Tulsa OK 8:04.76) also appear to be strong contenders. State list leader Olathe East (seeded 8:10.24) is the top Kansas seed.
Individual:
  • The 3200 appears ready to be a highlight event of the meet, with all 24 entries well under the 10:00. But the big match-up appears to be Lane Boyer (Kansas), who 9:08.57 here last year, vs. Dan Quigley (CBC, St. Louis MO) who ran a 9:08.91 at the Missouri Relays earlier this season. Todd Guliza (Millard South, Omaha NE 9:24.30), Johnny Purvis (Jasper MO 9:29.01) and Mitch Ownbey (Yukon OK 9:29.37) are the other sub 9:30 entries.
  • The 100 will be a crowd-pleaser, with eight entries at 10.75 or faster. Maurice Mitchell (Raytown South MO 10.50) is the top seed, and has been dominating on the Missouri side. Justin Woods (Mill Valley, DeSoto 10.56) has been doing the same on the KS side. But contenders are everywhere in this field with Trevor Cochran (Shawnee Mission East 10.64), Jermaine Saffold (Grandview MO 10.66), Evan Pierson (Olathe South 10.67) and Dee Bell (Olathe East 10.67) all having signature wins in their careers.
  • The 300H feature an interesting inter-state match-up, with Richard Lowe (Ruskin, Kansas City MO 38.17) and Andrew Plentl (Marble Falls TX 38.35) the top seeds. Darius Walker (Lee's Summit North 38.52). Wes Dolittle (Blue Valley Northwest, Overland Park 39.40) is top KS seed, though Andrew Longanecker (Olathe East 39.90) is state list leader.
  • In the 800, Bobby Potrykus (Confier CO) looks like an overwhelming favorite, with a 1:52.71 seed time over two seconds faster than anyone in the field! But Joshua Cherry (McCook NE 1:55.38) and Jake Stecklein (Maize 1:56.00, KS 6A state champ) also have big wins and fast times to their credit. This field is very deep and fast.
  • Seven athletes have seed times of 15.00 or faster in the 110H. Andrew Plentl (Marble Falls TX 14.04) has the fastest seed, with Marty Pfannenstiel (Silver Lake 14.20) and Andre' McDonald (Park Hill, Kansas City MO 14.36) the next fastest. McDonald is also a favorite in the HJ. Darius Walker (Lee's Summit North 14.39) and Keith Hayes (Wichita Southeast 14.39) are the other sub 14.50 seeds.
  • It appears a sub 50 will be needed to even make the finals of the 400. Ryan Blackwell (Westminster Christian MO) has the top seed time of 48.81, with KS 6A defending state champ Ethan Holloway (Olathe Northwest 48.94) the other sub 49 seed. Darius Johnson (Ottawa 49.24) and Keron Toussaint (Free State, Lawrence 49.24 and close runner-up to Holloway at state last year) are also top seeds. Keep an eye on Michael Reimer, from 1A Ashland (49.81) who has been tearing up small school meets in western Kansas.
  • The Potosi MO distance brigade invades KU with force in the Jim Ryun Mile. Josh Thebeau (4:14.72) is the top seed, with Josh Mathis (4:17.70) seeded second. But the Potosi boys will receive stiff competition. Dan Quigley (CBC, St. Louis MO 4:17.28) and Layne Boyer (Fredonia 4:17.40) are all seeded under 4:20, with a deep field entered.

Girls Field

Throws:
  • With 19 entries over 40 feet, the girl's shot promises to be deep and tough. Laura Greenfield (Liberty MO) is top seed with a 46-7 mark, while Kansas state class state champs Jacquelyne Leffler (Northern Heights, Allen 45-4) and Micah Wesley (Highland Park, Topeka 43-9) are seeded second and fifth. Missouri's Brittany Borman (Festus MO 44-11) and Rickael Roach (Lutheran South, St. Louis 44-2) are sandwiched between the Kansans.
  • Javelin is a favorite event in Kansas, and Tonganoxie is the javelin capital of Kansas right now, with top seeds Ali Pistora (47.09m) and Roxi Grizzle (46.81). Freshman Hailey Twiemeyer (Cheney) is seeded third at 45.51m, with Penner Katelyne (Labette County, Altamount) fourth at 44.60m.
  • Terri Anderson (Haysville Campus, Wichita), 5A state champ, is the top discus seed at 156-11, with Jacquelyne Leffler (Northern Heights, Allen) seeded second at 151-5 and fresh off a 145+ throw last week. Brittany Borman (Festus MO, 145-5) and Katie Vanarsdall, one of the top Kansas City area throwers (Ft. Osage, Independence 141-5) round out the top four seeds.
Jumps:
  • DEEP!! That's the only word to preview the girl's long jump field, with five over 18 and 19 entries over 17 feet. Precious Selmon (Crystal City MO 18-10.5), LaTanya Short (Grandview MO 18-7), Kelley Reardon (Notre Dame de Sion, Kansas City MO 18-5.75), Christal Harris (Ft. Osage, Independence 18-1.25) and Shawnte' Middlebrook (Lee's Summit West 18-1) lead what may be a Show-me state showdown. Sara Wetzel (Silver Lake 17-10.75) has the top Kansas seed.
  • In the girl's pole vault, eight are over 11 feet in the seeds. Natalie Willer (Elkhorn NE) has the top mark at 12-0, with Kelsey Lueke (Blair NE 11-6), Shalee Ratliff (Chanute 11-6) and Julia Cummings (Shawnee Mission South, Overland Park 11-5.75 11-7.5) all seeded very closely.
  • A host of 5-7 plus jumpers are seeded together in the girl's high jump, with Andrea Koch (Claremore OK) the top seed, Allison Mayfield (St. Thomas Aquinas, Overland Park, 5A state champ as a frosh) and Courtney Barber (Lawrence) as the top seeds.
  • Katlyn Merrill (Olathe Northwest 37-8.5) is the top seed in the triple jump. Tiana Davis (Park Hill, Kansas City MO 37-5) and Melesa Johnson (Bishop Miege, Roeland Park 37-2.75) are highly respected leapers from the Kansas City area, with Witney Sorell (Concordia) seeded fourth at 36-8.

Girls Running

Relays:
  • In the shuttle hurdle relay, traditional Kansas power Concordia tops the entries with 1:04.09, with Kearney NE seeded second at 1:06.0.
  • A loaded Distance Medley Relay field is led by top seed Oak Park (Kansas City MO) at 12:20.24. Leavenworth (12:39.74) ranks second while Lawrence, who won the 6A 4 x 800 state title last spring is seeded third at 12:41.04. Watch out for Gardner-Edgerton, who will be anchored by sub 5:00 miler Cali George.
  • Leading the meet off at 9am Friday will be the 4 x Mile, always an interesting race, depending on how squads are lined up. The Missouri Big Seven Conference has the top seed's here with Lee's Summit North (22:18.95), Missouri 4A cross country champ Liberty (22:21.0) and Blue Springs (22:25.24). Wamego (22:26.24) is the top Kansas seed, while Manhattan comes off a 4 x 1600 win this week and the Salina South Relays.
  • The 4 x 800 will have great depth, as the event is one of the hottest in Kansas this year. Emporia is seeded first, with Layne Moore adding 2:13 speed to the Spartans. Lawrence High, the defending KS state champ, has the fastest time the state this year at 9:50, but is seeded only 11th! St. Thomas Aquinas (Overland Park) a traditional power, has the third seed at 9:30.24, with the aforementioned Missouri State XC Champ Liberty seeded third.
  • As usual the 4 x 100 is loaded, with eleven schools seeded below 50.00. Grandview MO is the favorite based on their 47.69 seed and fine races this spring. Union (Tulsa OK, 48.20), Blue Springs MO (48.37) and top Kansas squad Leavenworth (48.60) are also sure to be in the hunt.
  • The 4 x 400 features seven squads seeded at 4:00 or better. McCluer South-Berkeley MO makes the trek from the St. Louis area, and are seeded first at 3:54.04. Leavenworth turns in the top Kansas seed at 3:56.04, with MO rivals Lee's Summit West and Raytown South the next seeds.
  • McCluer South-Berkeley also ranks as a favorite in the Sprint Medley Relay, though traditional Kansas power Hutchinson turned in the top seed time of 4:09.73. Watch for Emporia's Layne Moore on the anchor, fresh off a 2:13 800 last week.
  • The 4 x 200 will be burner, with 21 teams seeded under 1:50. Leavenworth (1:42.47) and Raytown South MO (1:42.61) have staged some epic battles in the past and are seeded 1-2 in this event, with Lee's Summit West MO and Union (Tulsa OK) also seeded under 1:43.
Individual:
  • Emily Sisson (Marian, Omaha) made quite a splash last year as an eighth grader, running in the open divisions of the KU Relays. This year the frosh is the top seed in the 3200 (10:53.66), based on her Omaha South Invite win last week. Heather Garcia (Baldwin) also has approached 11:00, while Leah Thompson (Sacred Heart, Salina) is a another KS state champ in the hunt, as is Brittney Graff (Eudora), who won the prestigious Missouri Southern Stampede during the XC season.
  • Alishea Usery (McClue South-Berkeley MO) has the top seed in the 100 at 11.75, and has been very tough in the St. Louis area this spring. Kendra Bradley (Leavenworth 11.92) brings the same type of credentials from the Kansas City area. #3 seed in Sylvia Alexander (Wichita Southeast 11.96).
  • Dedria Anthony (Wichita South 43.93) is the top 300H seed, with a KS flock following her lead. Emily Ballock (Eudora 44.24) and Katie Gueval (Burlington 45.34) have dominated mid-size KS school meets, while Melesa Johnson (Bishop Miege, Shawnee Mission 45.30) is one of the top hurdlers in the Kansas City area.
  • Guevel holds the fastest seed time in the 100H at 14.44, with Precious Selmon (Crystal City MO 14.47) close behind. Witney Sorell (Concordia 14.78) continues that school's long line of hurdle champs, with Melesa Johnson (15.02) seeded fourth.
  • The 800 promises another battle of titans, with Laura Roxberg (Blue Valley Northwest 2:12.32) the top seed and Layne Moore (Emporia 2:12.49) seeded second. The two hooked up in a titanic race last week with Moore edging Roxberg in the 2:13 range at the Topeka Relays. Laura Nightengale (El Dorado 2:14.34) holds the third seed with Alyssa Allison (Festus MO 2:15.72 fourth). Nineteen are entered at 2:19.99 or better.
  • Roxberg holds the top seed in the 1600 (4:55.0) with Cali George (Gardner-Edgerton) second (5:00.27). The race shapes as a classic duel of speed and strength. Heather Garcia (Baldwin 5:03.63) ranks third, with Jen Webers (Conifor CO) seeded fourth at 5:04.52. Watch for Emily Sisson (Marian, Omaha) a freshman who is top seed in the 3200, and was third at this fall's Footlocker National Championship meet in cross country.
  • Fast 400's are always a rule at KU. This year has a big-lead face-off with Brittany Bruce (Lee's Summit West MO 55.02) and De Angela McDougald (Junction City 55.12) the top two seeds. Watch out for Kendra Bradley (Leavenworth 56.13), a KS 6A rival of McDougald. Fourth seed Kianna Ruff (McCluer South-Berkeley 57.04) is a freshman making her KU Relays debut.




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