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 runners. Regardless of the current season best, this article highlights returners who will challenge for it all.
Mateo Cerritos Gatto finishes 7th in the 400m at the 2022 KHSAA 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 Maurice Moore. The Junior from Fort Campbell has posted the state outdoor leading time this season in 50.03. He has also posted a 50.93 this season as well showing great consistency. He is undefeated this year and in the front of contention for the State Championship. The second athlete that can contend for the 400m Championship is Sophomore Mateo Cerritos Gatto of Fort Campbell. Like his teammate Moore, Mateo has posted a 50.90 in the 400m this season. Last year, he finished 7th at the KHSAA Class 1A Track and Field Championships and is poised for a big outdoor season. Using his experience from last year's championship, Mateo could be due for a breakout performance at state and will surely contend to win his first ever State Championship.
The third athlete that will challenge for the 400m Championship is Emmanuel Dut. Dut, a Junior from Danville Christian, has run the second fastest time in the state this year in 50.70. As a sub 51 guy, Dut has the top end speed to challenge for the win and claim his first State Championship.
Honorable Mentions
Oliver Veliquette, Junior, Louisville Collegiate
Cam Brown, Senior, University Heights
Allston Leggette, Senior, Fort Knox
Jullian Seymour, Junior, Green County
800m
Triston Key finishes Runner-up in the 800m at the 2022 KHSAA State Championships
The leading contender to take home the State 800m Championship is Triston Key of Holy Cross (Louisville). The Senior has been in contention since last year when he finished Runner-up at the State meet. His 1:59.1 this season is the Class 1A leader at the moment. Combine this with his victory in the 800m at the KTCCCA Class A Indoor State Championships and you get an athlete primed to claim his first Outdoor State Championship. Second on this list is Pikeville Junior Carter Hurley. Hurley was mainly a 400m specialist last year before moving up to the 800m this indoor. He finished 3rd in the 800m at the Indoor State Championship this season and is ready to challenge Key and claim his first State Championship.
The final athlete on our list is Jayden Marr of Green County. The Sophomore is a Miler by trade but steps it down to 800m occasionally, at least until this year. Marr has showcased impressive consistency in the outdoor season running between 2:04 and 2:05 all year long. While this may not seem fast, Marr also tends to shine when the light is brightest as in he PRs in almost every postseason meet he runs. With his consistency and ability to meet challenges, Marr is a major threat to win the 800m at this year's State Championships.
Honorable Mentions
Cole Roberson, Junior, Lexington Christian
Carson Milner, Senior, Walton Verona
Cole Glover, Sophomore, University Heights
Brennan Callahan, Junior, Bishop Brossart
300m Hurdles
Grady Shay finishes 3rd in the 300m Hurdles at the 2022 KHSAA State Championships
A familiar name is at the top of this list in Senior sprinter, Grady Shay. Shay, from Walton Verona, appeared on both the 100/200m list and the 110m hurdles list in our last article, yet, none of those are his true strength. Shay is a 300m hurdle specialist. He placed 3rd at the State Meet last year in this event and is hungry for a State Title and while he only has the third fastest time Outdoors this year, Shay has the pedigree necessary to make him the favorite to win this event and set up a potential quad at the State Championships this season. Second on our list is Green County's Jake Bishop. The Junior showcases his skills in the 110m hurdles mainly, but has bumped up to the 300m hurdles this season. He currently has the Class 1A State leading time and has the top speed to challenge Shay for the State Championship this season.
Finally, Josh Brockman of St. Henry District comes in at third on our list. Another Junior, Brockman has performed very well this outdoor campaign posting two times in the mid 42's (42.30 and 42.86). This consistency is vital when determining a State Champion and showcasing the ability to perform at a high level no matter the circumstances makes Brockman as top challenger for the 300m hurdle crown.
Honorable Mentions
James Noble, Junior, St. Henry District
Oliver Unger, Junior, Beechwood
Omarion Pierce, Senior, Fulton County
Oliver Veliquette, Junior, Louisville Collegiate