With the State Meet just 6 weeks away, it is time to highlight some of the athletes who can challenge for the KHSAA Class 2A Track and Field State Championship. In this week's edition, we will focus on the Class 2A middle distance runners. Regardless of the current season best, this article highlights returners who will challenge for it all.
400m
Brendan Ruggles wins the 400m at the 2023 Eastern Relays
After a dominant Eastern Relays performance, the first athlete on our list is Brendan Ruggles. The junior from North Oldham ran a massive 400m PR taking the overall state lead in 48.82. Known as an 800m guy, Ruggles has been testing himself in both shorter sprint events and longer distance events showcasing impressive range. His 400m time is currently a full 2 seconds clear of his closest competitor making him an easy pick for the top spot on our list.However, he is not infallible. The second guy on our list won the 400m at the 2023 KTCCCA Class AA/AAA Indoor State Championship. Tye Stevens of Corbin has been very consistent this outdoor season posting 50 point times every race he runs. This consistency may help him at state where athletes are prone to making mistakes in pursuit of championships. The senior is also one of the top returners from last year's KHSAA Class 2A Track and Field State Championships where he finished 8th in the 400m. He could present to be a formidable opponent for Ruggles at State as he searches for his first Outdoor State Championship.
Last on our list is Ruggles's teammate, Zach Gross. The senior was off his game during the indoor season posting times in the low 53 range and placing 5th at Indoor State. However, Gross has showcased fantastic form outdoors posting 3 times in the 51 second range. Like Stevens, his consistency makes him a major threat to Ruggles moving him to number 3 on our list.
Honorable Mentions
Beau Brown, Senior, Mercer County
Kylen Ware, Sophomore, Paducah Tilghman
Connor Messer, Junior, Corbin
Rolen Sanderson, Junior, Boyd County
800m
Ruggles and Mendoza-Solis run the 800m at the 2022 KHSAA State Cross Country Championships
Just like the list above, the number one contender for 800m State Title Outdoors is Brendan Ruggles of North Oldham. The junior only has the 4th fastest time run in 2A this season over the 800m, but he is the fastest returner from last year. His speed over 400m from this weekend makes him deadly in a slower race. I think his best event is the 400m, but he will be a threat here as well.Second on this list is Jesus Mendoza-Solis of Bourbon County. Only a Sophomore, Mendoza has been tearing up the track this season. He finished runner-up in this event at the Indoor State Championships and as a Freshman finished 8th at the Outdoor State Championships last year. He is currently the only guy in 2A to run under 2:00 this season making him one of the favorites to win this event this year.
Third on our list is Caden Schroeder of Highlands. The senior gains this third spot on our list due to having the second fastest outdoor time this season at 2:00. He also finished 6th in this event indoors but has been having a fantastic outdoor season. Look for him to be a dark horse in this event.
Honorable Mentions
Max Young, Senior, Shelby County
Rolen Sanderson, Junior, Boyd County
Daniel Puckett, Senior, Calloway County
Luke Whitlow, Freshman, North Oldham
300m Hurdles
Aiden Nevels wins the 300m hurdles at the 2022 KHSAA Track and Field State Championships
First on this list is Asher Mattox of Bourbon County. The Sophomore finished 11th last year as a true freshman and has improved dramatically since then. He currently has the second fastest time in 2A this season, but has the experience from last year that makes him the leading favorite to win this season.However, he has massive competition. Gage Beasley of Butler County has been stellar this outdoor season improving his season best in every race this season. He has the fastest time in 2A this season and has yet to lose a 300m hurdle race in his career. Nonetheless, he lacks the experience of Mattox putting him second on this list.
Finally, third on this list is the fastest returner from last season, Aiden Nevels. The senior from Highlands has yet to run a 300m hurdle race this season, but went under 41 seconds in this event last season. Should Nevels choose to run this event, he can without a doubt contend for the Class 2A State Championship.
Honorable Mentions
Romello Meade, Sophomore, Warren East
Tanner Tumey, Sophomore, Harrison County
Austin Moreland, Senior, Mason County
Matthew Henderson, Junior, Lexington Catholic