The Wright Stuff: Louisburg junior wins 3 state titles, 3 others medal

Louisburg junior Delaney Wright lets out some emotion following her state championship win in the 200-meter dash Friday at the Class 4A State Track and Field Championships at Cessna Stadium in Wichita.

WICHITA — Delaney Wright was the favorite to win state titles in her three events last Friday at the Class 4A State Track and Field Championships.

She didn’t disappoint. 

Wright not only won three state championships, but she won them in convincing fashion, breaking two school records in the process. The Louisburg junior won the long jump, 400-meter dash and the 200-meter dash on her way to an historic day in Wichita.

“My experience at state track this year was amazing,” Wright said. “The people competing there were super nice and my teammates made it more fun. It meant a lot to pull off winning three state titles.”

Wright became the first female Wildcat athlete to win three state titles in the same year as she helped the Lady Cats to a fifth place finish in the team standings – also the highest finish for Louisburg girls track and field.

“I can’t say enough how awesome of a competitor Delaney is,” Louisburg girls coach John Reece said. “I know she went to state with one thing on her mind – win.  She did just that and truly performed to her best. Winning three different events is an incredible feat.”

The long jump was Wright’s first state championship on the day as she recorded a leap of 18 feet, 2.25 inches and defeated Paola sophomore Maggie Kauk, who had a jump of 17-8.25.

Next came the 400-meter dash and Wright took control of that race from the beginning. She won by more than a second with a time of 58.30 seconds – which broke her school record that she set earlier this year.

“After I came out of my blocks in the 400 I knew I was feeling good and had what it takes to finish good in the race,” Wright said. “Having confidence and knowing I worked hard all season for this meet was rewarding, especially when I PR’d and broke my records.”

In what was supposed to be her most competitive event of the day, Wright again ran away from the field. She won the 200 dash in a school-record time of 25.54 seconds and defeated runner-up Kimalee Cook from Towanda-Circle, who had a time of 26.01.

“I was really excited after the 200 cause it was my last race and the competition was tough,” Wright said. “I broke to the lead and knew I won my third state title. I gave a little fist bump to the air in excitement after crossing the finish line and congratulated the girls around me after the race. Overall, it was a great meet and was awesome. I’m got to experience it with my teammates.”

Louisburg wasn’t done with state medals as the Lady Cats found their way to the podium in three other events.

Senior Alyse Moore concluded her historic javelin career as she earned her second state medal. Moore recorded a throw of 139-4 to take fourth overall, behind a trio of Andale throwers who took the top three spots.

One of those, senior Katelyn Fairchild, broke the Class 4A record with a throw of 175-4.

Louisburg junior Davis Guetterman also threw in the competition and took 14th with a toss of 109-3.

“I didn’t throw by best this time, but I did the best I could in a way,” Moore said. “I gave my 100 percent, but I was a little disappointed with the outcome because I know that I have the potential to be better. I was still glad to be up on the podium. It was definitely a competitive field.”

It has been a memorable season for Moore, including one that saw her break the 20-year-old school record in the javelin. She will also join the University of Kansas track and field team next season.

“Alyse capped off an awesome career with her performance in the javelin,” Reece said. “Medaling fourth was a great accomplishment and she will have a great time throwing for KU.”

Junior Corinna McMullen continued her strong season in the discus with her first state medal. McMullen recorded a throw of 113-01 to take fourth overall. 

Andale’s McKenzie Fairchild won the event with a throw of 140-0 and her sister Katelyn was second at 132-10. Ottawa’s Jaine Johnson was third at 118-5.

“Throwing at my first state track meet was definitely a time to remember,” McMullen said. “Waiting until 2 to throw on Friday gave a lot of time for nerves to come into play, but i had to trust the training I put in during the week and put it all to the side. I prepared myself to stay out of my head and not be so technical because I knew I was going to be the smallest thrower there. 

“I didn’t throw my best, even though i threw very well in warmups, but that is what throwing it about. State was such a great experience being on that podium, no matter what place it was. Watching the rest of the athletes was so fun and so memorable.”

Freshman Emma Vohs also came away with a medal in her first ever state competition. Vohs finished sixth in 1:02.09.

I was very thrilled to receive a state medal in the 400, however, I would’ve liked to run a better time,” Vohs said. “I had an amazing experience, with all the people around us, teammates cheering you on, and standing on the podium being rewarded my medal felt like such a privilege. 

“I was also excited my brother (Jaden) and I both got to go to state. Next year, I would like to break 60 seconds in the 400 and try different events, such as the 800.”

The four state medalists racked up 43 points in the team standings and the Lady Cats finished fifth – their highest finish in school history.

“I guess you can call them the Fantastic Four as they put together an outstanding performance and finished fifth as a team,” Reece said. “Girls athletics started the year with guns ablaze and through each season never stopped the charge and they have the hardware to prove it.”

In other events, freshman Erin Apple ran the 1,600-meter run in her first state event and took 13th in 6:08. 

Another freshman, Maddy Carpenter-Ross, finished 14th in the pole vault after she cleared 7-6.