Wingfield goes out on top with second straight state pole vault title

For the last four years, Louisburg has dominated the pole vault on the boys side in Class 4A and had its fair share of success on the girls side.

Caden Caplinger and Maddy Carpenter-Ross earned back-to-back state titles during that span and now it was Cooper Wingfield’s opportunity.

Wingfield won gold in the pole vault in 2024 and was the favorite to win again this season — and he did it with ease. The Louisburg senior cleared 15 feet, 6 inches to win his second consecutive state championship during the Class 4A meet on May 30 at Wichita State University. 

“It means a lot to win it back to back, not only for myself, but also to continue what Caden and Maddy had done before me,” Wingfield said. “This year made it four in a row that Louisburg had a state champion in the boys pole vault. It also made me the third back to back pole vault state champion for Louisburg in the last four years. I really wanted to continue that legacy and cement the dynasty we had and I am proud that I did.”

It had been a special year already for Wingfield as he broke his own school record earlier in the year with a clearance of 15-7.75 at the Kansas Relays.

He had no problem with the competition at the 4A state level as he entered the event at 14-6 and cleared his first two marks with ease. Andale’s Noah Horsch cleared 15 feet on his final attempt, forcing the competition to go a little longer, but Wingfield cleared 15-6 to seal his second state crown.

“I am happy with how I jumped at state,” Wingfield said. “I knew I just had to go out there and make a couple bars to win so that was my focus before anything else. I am happy with what I ended up jumping even though you always wish you jumped higher.”

Just like a year ago, his teammate Jacob Brown joined Wingfield on the state podium. Brown earned a fifth place medal after he cleared 14 feet as the Louisburg senior ended his Wildcat career as one of the best in the state.

“It feels amazing being able to get a medal in back to back years,” Brown said. “It is something to remind me of all the good and bad moments and the never ending hard work it took to get there.

“I didn’t do my best at state. but when it came down to it, I felt more happy to simply be there and just have fun enjoying things rather than stressing about performance. I knew it’d be my last time ever jumping so I just wanted to go have fun and compete.”

It was also a special moment for Brown as he watched his teammate make Wildcat history as he stood atop the state podium for the final time.

“Having a teammate like Cooper has been the best part of the last 4 years,” Brown said. “Everything we did, we did together, and were pushing constantly to be better. To see him go and win feels amazing because he truly deserves it.”

Wingfield was also happy to see his teammate get the recognition he deserved and is thankful Brown was able to help him along his pole vault journey.

“I truly wouldn’t be able to have the success I have had without Jacob,” Wingfield said. On the surface, pole vaulting looks like an individual sport, but I wouldn’t be where I am without the teammates I have had over the years. Jacob and I keep each other accountable and push each other and have been together through the highs and lows. 

“I can certainly say that there has been several times where I’ve been frustrated or upset and Jacob has put me back into the right mindset. Our goal was to get first and second at state this year, and even though we came up short, I am proud of him and thankful for everything he’s done for me.”

Wingfield is not done pole vaulting, however, as he will continue at the collegiate level with Harding University — a Division II program in Arkansas. After winning two state titles, and a state runner-up performance as a sophomore, he is more than satisfied with his Wildcat track career.

“I couldn’t be more happy with how my four years at Louisburg went,” Wingfield said. “I am so thankful for the friends and memories Louisburg track gave me. I never even dreamt that I would become a two time state champion and get second as a sophomore. I really would have liked to put the school record up there higher, but that only motivates and excites me for what is to come. I am hoping to accomplish even bigger things at the next level.”