With the State Meet just 6 weeks away, it is time to highlight some of the athletes who can challenge for the State Championship. In this week's edition, we will focus on the Class 1A Middle Distance and 300m hurdlers. Regardless of the current season best, this article highlights returners who will challenge for it all.
400m
Braun, Hutchinson, and Peace finish 1, 2, 3 at the 2022 KHSAA Track and Field State Championships
The first athlete that can contend for the 400m State Championship at this year's KHSAA Class 1A Track and Field State Championship is Lexi Braun. The Sophomore from Bishop Brossart has posted the second fastest time in Class 1A this year. However, she is the defending 400m champion from last year's KHSAA Class 1A Track and Field State Championship and should be the favorite again this season.
However, Braun isn't without stiff competition. The second girl on our list who can contend for the 400m State crown is Lilianne Hutchinson of Lexington Christian. The Senior dominated at the KTCCCA Class A Indoor State Championships winning by more than a second. Hutchinson has also posted the State leading time this season making her the top challenger to Braun for the State crown. She also was runner-up to Braun last year at the State meet.
Finally, third on our list is Madison Peace. The Junior from Williamsburg finished 3rd in this event at last year's State Championships. She has run the third fastest time in the State this season and should be right with Braun and Hutchinson in the race for the 400m State Championship.
Honorable Mentions
Riley Webb, Sophomore, Louisville Collegiate
Maryah Counts, Junior, Beechwood
Karly Williams, Sophomore, Betsy Layne
Gabriella Ostrander, Sophomore, Leslie County
800m
Annie Sewell finishes 3rd in the 800m at the 2022 KHSAA Track and Field State Championships
The first lady who will challenge for the State 800m crown is Annie Sewell of Lexington Christian. The Freshman surprised at the State Meet last year when she finished third in this event. She followed that up by winning the Indoor State Championship this year and currently has the fastest time outdoors this season. She is looking to win her first Outdoor State Championship and will likely be the favorite to win this event at the State Championships.
Second on our list is Lily Parke. Parke, a Freshman from Beechwood, has run very well this season. She was Runner-up at the KHSAA State Cross Country Championships and carried that momentum into the indoor season where she finished just behind Sewell in the 800m. Her exceptional strength makes her a major threat to bring home her first State Championship this season.
A third and final major contender for the 800m State Championship is Haley Schoenegge. The Senior from Kentucky Country Day is a long distance specialist who is trying her luck in the 800m. She won the 3200m at last year's State Championship and is the defending Class 1A Cross Country State Champion. If she decides to run the 800m this season at State, she will be in contention to add another State Championship to her collection.
Honorable Mentions
Weslyn Mcintosh, Senior, Lee County
Kenzie Barber, Freshman, Frankfort
Amy Klocke, Senior, Bishop Brossart
Gabriella Ostrander, Sophomore, Leslie County
300m Hurdles
Katie Norman wins, Kaitlyn Kramer sixth at the 2022 KHSAA Track and Field State Championships
Kicking off our list is the defending 300m hurdle champion from last year's State Championship. Katie Norman, the Junior from Frankfort, has been destroying 300m hurdle fields since last season where she won her first State Championship. Her dominance continued into the indoor season where she finished runner-up in both the 60m and 200m events. Currently, she is undefeated in the 300m hurdles this season and has posted the state leading time for Class 1A. Look for her to defend her State Championship this season.
Presenting the biggest challenge to Norman is Bishop Brossart Freshman, Kaitlyn Kramer. The Sophomore from Bishop Brossart has also been undefeated in the 300m hurdles this season and finished sixth last year. She currently has the second fastest time in Class 1A this season and is the only other athlete to break 50 this year making her a major threat to Norman's title defense.
Third on our list is another Freshman. Sophie Maynard of Raceland has an affinity for the 100m hurdles, however, she is also a talented 300m hurdler as well. Maynard won the 60m hurdle championship this indoor season but has also showcased some strength as well. Given Maynard's speed, she could be a darkhorse to upset Norman and win her first Outdoor State Championship.
Honorable Mentions
Raegan Taylor, Freshman, Burgin
Naomi Howard, Sophomore, Beechwood
Kaelyn King, Senior, St. Henry District
Mia Blaydes, Sophomore, Green County