The Scoop: States, States and More State Championships

May 28, 2023

Kansas State Championships Raised The Bar

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* Bryce Barkdull won his first Kansas state title in the pole vault with a 17-1 clearance

Photo Credit: Josh Hobson / MileSplit

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Bryce Barkdull of Andover Central (KS) showcased his consistency at the Kansas State Track and Field Championships in Wichita as he cleared over 17-0 for the fourth time this outdoor season in the pole vault.

On his way to winning his first 5A state title, Barkdull cleared 17-1 for gold, which was an improvement from his 15-0 runner up performance from 2022. Barkdull has the overall state record with a 17-6.25 clearance from early May.

Also in the 5A classification was Tyson Ruud of Basehor-Linwood. The senior cleared a new personal best of 7-0 in the high jump, tying him for US No. 8.

In the throws, McKenzie Fairchild of Andale swept the 4A discus, javelin and shot put titles and added her fifth, sixth and seventh state medals to her collection. The Texas A&M signee had winning marks of 138-1 in the discus, 157-3 in the javelin and 42-4 in the shot put. She was just off her shot put personal throw of 42-9.25, which she set back two weeks ago.

Fairchild's teammate Riley Marx left his mark in the boys javelin as the senior threw a season's best of 206-11 to win the title and to move up to US No. 7. Marx was also the runner up in the discus with a 166-09 toss. Zion Woodin of Ottawa had the winning throw of 168-10.

In the 3A classification, Clay Shively of Wichita Trinity Academy earned two golds this weekend by pulling off the 800m-1,600m double. Shively, who's ranked US No. 12 in the 1,600m, clocked a 4:12.60 tobecome the state champion. He was able to solidify the 800m title with a 1:54.50.

Chesney Peterson of Stanton was able to defend her 800m, 1,600m and 3,200m 2A titles. The Tennessee signee clocked winning performances of 2:16.80, 5:00.72, and 10:47.92 respectively. Peterson holds the top marks in the state in these three distances.