Rivera Reclaims National Throne
Sophia Rivera is no stranger to success. In fact, Rivera hasn't lost at the state level in her two years at Brentwood. She has developed into one of the best throwers in the nation, and in her first season as an upperclassman we are seeing how special she can be. Back around Christmas time, Rivera launched the shot 48-2.75, a new PR and at the time a nation leading mark. However Meia Gordon, runner up in Texas's state meet last year, put the shot 48-11.5 to surpass Rivera in the national rankings.
This weekend Rivera was in Columbia for the first installment of the Big River Indoor Series. It was there where Rivera took back her spot on top of the national rankings, becoming the first girl over 49 feet. Her put of 49-9.25 puts her ahead of Gordon by nearly a full foot. This is also two and half feet ahead of her best coming into this indoor season. It also puts her atop of the indoor record book (or at least what is in the Milesplit database) for Missouri.
Rivera's performance was the highlight of the meet without question, but the meet as a whole was above average. It produced nine national elite performances and drew athletes from Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, Kansas, and Tennessee. The series continues this weekend with the second meet taking place on the 26th.
Milesplit Meet Page
Girls Highlights
- 60 Meter Dash - Syanne Johnston (Ft. Zumwalt East High School) 7.80 SB;
- High Jump - Andrea Kuehnlein (Nek Track Cl) 5-5.75 SB;
- Pole Vault - Shae Opichka (De Pere ) 11-0 SB;
- Shot Put - Sophia Rivera (Brentwood High School) 49-9.25 SB; Kathleen Young (Warrensburg-Latham High School) 46-11 SB;
Boys Highlights
- 3,200 Meter Run - Jeremy Inman (West Plains High School) 9:45.48 SB;
- 60 Meter Hurdles - Jabrille Lewis (Rockwood Summit High School) 8.25 SB;
- Weight Throw - Patrick Kunza (Timberland High School) 59-6.25 SB; Zack Gregory (Timberland High School) 59-5 SB;
