Day 2 of the big-school state track and field championships saw a trio of Ozark Conference athletes win gold medals in Class 5. Here’s a recap on their day, plus a list of other local Class 5 all-state performers.
Bailey hits goal, wins gold
Kickapoo senior Allison Bailey had a daily reminder of what she wanted to accomplish at state track.
All she had to do was look down.
Since October, the Tulsa-bound Bailey has been writing – with a black Sharpie – a “2:10” mark on the back of her hand, representing the time she wanted to reach in her final high school race.
PHOTOS: CLASS 5 STATE TRACK, DAY 2
Bailey reached that goal, taking first place in the process as she crossed the finish line in 2:10.02 to win the 800. The victory gives Bailey her first career gold medal.
“It’s so exciting,” said Bailey, whose time was the fastest in the state this year. “I’ve been working the past year to get here. Everything’s coming full circle now.
“It’s a good feeling to be able to wash it (2:10) off.”
Bailey was an all-state performer in the 400 and 800 in 2015 and 2014. She focused exclusively on the 800 this season.
“I went all in,” Bailey said. “Had a goal: State champ, with a (time of) 2:10.”
Bailey raced with a trademark Chief sticker on her upper right cheek. It’s a tradition that formed between Bailey and 2015 KHS graduate Jade Raynor, who’s now competing at Missouri State University.
“We see the collegiate runners and they always have their team mascot (stickers) on,” Bailey said. “We thought it was really cool, so we ordered some online.
“Gotta have that Chief pride, always.”
Parkview’s Walton prevails in high jump
It’s not quite the 7’3” feat that Marcus Walton regularly sees on the Parkview track and field honors wall – that will have to come next season – but Saturday’s jump of 6’6” was good enough to give the Vikings junior a gold medal in 2016.
Walton capped an impressive season of improvement in the event, as his 6’6” effort placed first in the Class 5 field. He cleared 6’10” earlier this season.
“I wish I could have got higher today, I really do,” Walton said. “But, I’m just happy to be here on the podium.”
The victory marked the second gold medal for Ozark Conference high jumpers on the day. West Plains’ Chase Riley, who jumped 7’1” earlier this season, reached 6’10” on Saturday in the Class 4 competition.
“Me and Chase are always up there and have had a competition for years. I’m just happy that we can both get first (place), finally,” Walton said.
A state qualifier last season, Walton was unable to make it out of the early rounds. He scratched on all three attempts at 6-foot in the 2015 Class 5 high jump event.
“It means a lot to bounce back and come in first,” Walton said. “It’s been a crazy season. I didn’t expect to come out and jump 6’10”. I’m very, very satisfied with the season.”
Next year, Walton figures to make a run at an elusive school and state record. The overall state high jump record is still held by Parkview’s Bill Jasiniski (7’3”, 1982).
“I stare at it for at least five minutes every time I walk past it at school,” Walton said. “I’m ready to break it. It’s been up there for 34 years and needs to come down.”
Okorie closes career by winning 100 hurdles, taking 2nd in 300 hurdles
In the short term, Waynesville Ariel Okorie admits she’s disappointed to not finish her high school career with a gold medal sweep in the state hurdle events.
But in the bigger picture, Okorie leaves behind a resume that stands out as one of the Ozarks’ most accomplished track and field athletes.
The Kansas State-bound Okorie competed for the final time as a Waynesville Tigers on Saturday, taking first in the 100 hurdles (14.19) and second in the 300 hurdles (42.87).
With a fourth-place finish in the high jump and second-place finish in the long jump on Friday, Okorie concludes her career with 11 all-state performances, including her first gold medal.
“I’m kind of happy. At the same time, with the (300 hurdles) finish, it is what it is. I’m a bit disappointed,” Okorie said. “But (for my career), I couldn’t hope for anything better.”
Okorie began Saturday besting second-place Symiah Fulton of Hazelwood Central by .10 seconds to win the 100 hurdles. Entering the 300 hurdles with the best prelim time among the field, Okorie was unable to hold a late lead as Lee’s Summit West sophomore Kyra Atkins pulled ahead in the final 50 meters.
“I honestly thought I had it (won) and then she came out of nowhere and I couldn’t push anymore,” Okorie said. “Props to her, she used her push while I couldn’t use it right.”
Okorie’s headed to Kansas State for college track and field. She plans to study international business with a minor in Russian, hoping to one day land a job as an FBI agent.
Why the emphasis in Russian?
“The (FBI) doesn’t don’t look for (agents to speak) Spanish,” Okorie said. “They look for Russian, Arabic or Mandarin Chinese.”
SATURDAY'S CLASS 5 ALL-STATE PERFORMERS
LISTED 1ST-8TH
Ariel Okorie (Wanyesville) – First Place in 100 Hurdles
Marcus Walton (Parkview) – First in High Jump
Allison Bailey (Kickapoo) – First in 800
Chase Allen (Nixa) – First in Javelin
Ariel Okorie (Waynesville) – Second Place in 300 Hurdles
Jaslyn Williams (Central) – Second in 200 Dash
Jaslyn Williams (Central) – Fourth Place in 100 Dash
Nathan Hall (Kickapoo) – Fourth in 3200
Meleah Ridenour (Nixa) – Fifth in Triple Jump
Jokiem Crawford (Joplin) – Fifth in Javelin
Meleah Ridnour (Nixa) – Fifth in Triple Jump
Christian Blake Procell (Nixa) – Sixth in 800
Joseph Nickell (Nixa) – Sixth in Pole Vault
Elaina Roeder (Central) – Sixth in Pole Vault
