MISSOURI STATE MEET RECAP

Burns Breezes Through Final Missouri State Meet With 1,600-3,200 Double; Manning Jumps 25-4.50; Akins Triples

By Mary Albl of DyeStat 

In his final prep state meet, one of the best distance runners in Missouri state history, Southern Boone’s Connor Burns, added two more titles to his legacy.

At Adkins Stadium in Jefferson City, Burns won the Class 3 1,600 crown in 4:13.52, the 3,200 (9:20.14), and ran on the second-place 4x800 relay (8:05.10). 

In the Class 3 team standings, Bowling Green won as Blayne Bryant won the triple jump (44-7.50) and placed second in the long jump (22-11.25). Teammate Marcus Starks won the high jump clearing 6-6.75. 

The Lutheran St. Charles girls won the program’s first state title since 2014. 

CLASS 5

The Rock Bridge boys won the Class 5 title once again with 73.50 points. Distance runner Ian Kemey won the 3,200 in 9:13.14, while teammate Andrew Hauser claimed the 1,600 (4:12.79). RB also won the 4x100 and 4x200 relay titles.  

On the field, Lee Summit’s Josh Manning set a meet record in the long jump, going US#2 25-4.50. 

In the sprints, one of the top sprinters in the country, Raytown South’s Zaya Akins, a senior, made it a memorable last state meet, setting meet records in the 100 (11.61), 200 (23.43) and 400 (53.08). 

The nation's best young thrower, freshman Jackson Cantwell of Nixa, made his state meet debut with wins in the shot put (64-3.75) and discus (190-7). 

Cardinal Ritter tallied 94 points to easily win its third straight team title. The Lions won the 4x100, 4x200 and 4x400 relay titles. 

In the distance events, Natalie Barnard claimed the 3,200 title in 10:35.60 and was fourth in the 1,600. Josie Baker of Kirkwood won the 1,600 in 4:52.78 and was second in the 800. 

CLASS 4 

The Festus boys won their first state title with 76 points to beat Hillsboro. 

Fetus was paced by a strong relay performance, placing  second in the 4x100, 4x200 and 4x800. Arhman Branch won the long jump with a leap of 23-4.50 and was third in the triple. Teammate and senior Ian Schram captured the 1600 (4:17.17) and 800 (1:53.17). 

The Kearney girls edged out Pleasant Hill 52-50 to win the team title. Just six points separated first through fourth place in the team standings. 

Skyye Lee had easily one of the best performances of the weekend. The Parkway Central junior won the 100 (11.67) , 200 (24.19), 100 hurdles (US#6 13.36) and 300 hurdles (43.31) scoring 40 points for her team to place third. 

CLASS 1 & 2 - May 19 and 20 - Adkins Stadium, Jefferson City

In Class 2 boys, Summit Christian and Charleston High boys tied with 47 points. Summit Christian won the 4x400 title in 3:24.70 to secure 10 points for its share of the state title. 

Stover’s Blaine Brodersen won the 3,200 (9:50.27) was second in the 800 and third in the 1,600. 

Class 2 girls, the North Platte tallied 86 points to defend their title, edging out Father Tolton Catholic (83 points). North Platte was second in the 4x100, 4x200, 4x800 and won the 4x400. 

Father Tolton’s Elyse Wilmes won the 800 (2:1048), 1600 (4:54.98), while teammate Olivia Andrews claimed the 3,200 (11:02.24). 

The Hermitage and Hayti boys each finished with 42 points to share the Class 1 title. 

In boys Class 1 Riley Blay easily won the 3,200 (9:37.16) by 20 seconds and won the 1,600 (4:27.22). He finished second in the 800. Tucker Singer of Tina-Avalon threw 58-9 to win the shot put. 

In Class 1 girls, Tarkio won the state title, claiming the 4x200, 4x400 and finishing second in the 4x800.

Team Champions 

Class 5 - Rock Bridge boys 73.5 points, Cardinal Ritter College Prep girls 94 points - RESULTS

Class 4 - Festus boys 48 points, Kearney girls 52 points - RESULTS

Class 3 - Bowling Green boys 74.5 points; Lutheran (St. Charlies) girls 51 points - RESULTS

Class 2 - Summit Christian and Charleston High boys 47 points (tie), North Platte girls 86 points - RESULTS

Class 1 - Hermitage and Hayti boys 42 points (tie), Tarkio girls 70 points - RESULTS