1A state track: Eads’ Haase defends high jump title and more top Day 2 performances

LAKEWOOD – It took a little extra for Maggie Haase to defend her state title in the Class 1A girls high jump. Not far removed from her 2021 state-winning mark of 5 feet, 3 inches, the junior from Eads underwent knee surgery in October.

Haase said the procedure initially left her uncertain that she’d be able to return this season. But thanks to plenty of support from her family, coaches and physical therapists, Haase’s comeback became even more heroic when her leap of 5 feet secured the repeat title on Saturday at Jeffco Stadium.

“I was just thankful today that I was able to just get through the competition without being in too much pain,” Haase said. “I’m just grateful that I could make it here.”

Haase’s mother and Eads assistant coach Destiny Haase credited her daughter’s mental toughness for fueling the long journey back to the podium’s peak.

“We started off the year jumping 4-4 and last year she would skip heights and come in at 4-4,” Destiny Haase said. “We had to start at heights she was jumping in middle school, and it was frustrating for her. But we just kept her calm and trusted that we’re going to get stronger, and we just need time.”

Eads head coach Stephanie Bohlander added that it took daily tears, work and training to bring the jumper back to where she stood last June. That, however, all made it “even sweeter” for Bohlander.

Kali Siemers of Heritage Christian took second place (4-10) and McClave’s Anna Beckett secured the bronze (4-9).

Eagles leading pack

After two days of competition, Heritage Christian has the lead in the 1A team races for boys and girls as both squads look to repeat as champions.

Through nine of 19 events, the Heritage Christian girls have 62 points, leading second-place Merino (42) by 21. Simla is third, with 30.5 points.

The HC boys have the exact same score and lead as the girls. Through eight of 18 events, the Eagles lead second-place Cheyenne Wells, 62-41. The Eagles are seeking their sixth consecutive team title.

Weathers sets record

Lone Star senior Alivia Weathers added another remarkable effort to her sensational career on Saturday. In the girls triple jump, she set a 1A meet record with a leap of 35 feet, 3.25 inches. The previous record of 34-8.5 was set by Prairie’s Emily Kaiser in 2017.

Merino senior Taysa Conger, the top seed coming into state, finished second with a leap of 33-10.25.

Weathers, who was a four-time state champion in 2021, already has two titles this year. She also won the pole vault on Thursday. She will compete in the 100 hurdles and long jump on Sunday.

Also on Saturday in 1A girls, Cheraw senior McKenzie Bartholomew won the first state title of her career, taking first in the 800 meters with a time of 2 minutes, 28.36 seconds. Merino’s Brooklyn Sutter placed second (2:30.77), narrowly edging Kiowa’s Paola Vidales (2:30.78).

Fleming placed first in the 800-meter relay (1:51.45), while Sanford won the title in the 3,200-meter relay (10:32.80).

Lewis repeats

Trevor Lewis of DeBeque added another title to his collection on Saturday. The senior won the 1A boys 800 meters for the second consecutive season, but it wasn’t easy.

In Saturday’s final, Lewis crossed the finish line in 2:02.54, edging Jacob Jefferson of Arickaree/Woodlin by just .44 of a second. It was the third career  track and field state title for Lewis, who will aim to defending his 1,600-meter crown on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Hi-Plains sophomore Konner Rowden-Stum won his first career state title, taking first in the boys triple jump with a leap of 42 feet, easily breaking his season-best mark of 41-6.75). Rowden-Stum was third in the long jump on Thursday.

After finishing third a year ago, Idalia senior Titus Glanz won the boys shot put on Saturday with a personal-best throw of 143 feet, 6 inches. Peyton Wells of Otis was second, at 135-1.

In the boys 800-meter relay, Sanford cruised the title with a meet record time of 1:32.62. The previous record of 1:32.93 was set by Haxtun in 2018. For Sanford, senior Kelton Gartrell teamed with junior Gauge Lewis and sophomores Lincoln Reynolds and Cash Caldon to win the title.

Heritage Christian won the boys 3,200-meter relay, posting a time of 8:44.32. The Eagles cruised to the title, finishing 11.64 seconds ahead of second-place Cheyenne Wells (8:55.96).