1A Boys Track and Field: Springfield’s Parker Arbuthnot Returns to Win State Title
By Brad Cochi
Photo: Wallace Photography
LAKEWOOD – Parker Arbuthnot made it just far enough into his freshman track and field season at Springfield to qualify for the state championships before a nagging knee injury prevented him from competing.
He went, but only to watch.
“Man, that was rough – training and coming but not running,” Arbuthnot said after winning a state championship in the 3200m. “But last year, just watching might have been the best possible thing, honestly. It was so motivating. God, for some reason, has given me these abilities and I feel like it’s my responsibility to glorify him. So, I just thought I’d use my gifts for his glory.”
Arbuthnot’s return was a sizable change to his event field. Jackson Bevan’s was a massive one.
After winning a state title in Class 2A last season at Plateau Valley, Bevan and his team were in 1A this spring.
On Thursday Bevan claimed his second-straight discus title but in a new classification with a top mark of 158 feet, 7 inches.
“I’m super excited. Not quite the day we want but still can’t be mad at the results,” Bevan said. “I’m just happy to be able to do it. Heart pumping super fast, lots of emotions, but mostly just super excited.”
Arickaree’s Austin Wright, the defending 1A champion from 2024, was runner-up with a throw of 148-05.
Lone Star’s Anderson Weathers capped off the day by winning the pole vault championship, clearing 13-11.
