Four National Elite Performances from MO Athletes at Jayhawk Open
- The sole MO#1 came from Nicole Lee (Clinton) who ran 5:10.55 to place second in the mile. She was second behind Rebekah Topham of Iowa, one of the best distance runners in the Midwest. Lee stayed within 3 seconds of the Griswold, Iowa native. Lee also ran 2:23.05 in the 800m.
- Staying on the girl’s side, Nicole Kallenberger (Lee’s Summit West) competed well in the pole vault. She cleared 11 feet, a new best for the sophomore. Kallenberger had a strong freshman year, clearing 10-6. The last name should sound familiar as her sister, Brittany, won a handful of state titles in her days as a Titan.
- Justice Burks (Raytown South) also recorded a US#2 performance, running 8.38 to win the 60m hurdles. This puts him behind only Harvey Kendall of Grandview, setting up a good rivalry for the KC hurdlers.
- Kyle Pudenz, who just dipped under 4:20 for 1600m last year as a sophomore, ran 4:28.95 for a full mile to win the mile run. This puts him second behind Stephen Mugeche for the event in the state.