Price places sixth in state

JEFFERSON CITY — Huddled under an umbrella outside of Dwight T. Reed Stadium on Saturday, Blake Price found out his chase for a top three finish at the Class 4 track and field state championships would have to wait on the weather.

The discus event, scheduled for 11 a.m. had been pushed back to 1 p.m. because of the rain moving through the area.  

After the rain subsided and his event ended, Price found himself waiting again.

His sixth-place finish in the event means he will have to wait until next year’s state competition for a final shot at that top-three finish.

Price earned his way into the finals with a throw of 151 feet, 10 inches.

The throw placed him among the top nine from a field of 16.

Price’s best throw of the day came in the finals. The mark of 152-05 earned the junior the sixth-place medal as well as a third consecutive all-state honor.

Price’s best throw of the track season, 164 feet, would have earned him a fourth-place finish.

“The weather coming in was bad. I had to wait a long time, but there is really no excuse,” Price said. “I just didn’t throw very good today ... Sixth is nothing to be ashamed about.”

The top-five placers in the discuss event all turned in marks of 160 feet or more.

James Coleman, of Marquette, claimed his second consecutive state title with a throw of 176-02. 

Blue Springs’ Gus Toca took second (173-08). Brooks Mosier, of Lee’s Summit West, finished third  (166-07).

Neosho’s Cody Holland recorded a throw of 163-06 for fourth place, and Jacob Bullinger, of Jackson, received fifth with his throw of 162-01.

S-C coach Brad Hagedorn credits Price’s work ethic for his success.

“It’s not too often that a kid has the opportunity to be a three-time all-stater as a junior. That’s saying something ... He works very hard; he works as hard as anybody we’ve got. He sets a great example,” Hagedorn said.