The Festus McCullough-Douglas lived up to some great expectations. With Elite 3200-meter run races, many of the state's best distance runners ascended on the Tigers campus in Jefferson County. The loaded distance fields didn't disappoint with impressive performances and personal records by many, as well as many the state's fastest marks on the young season. However, it wasn't just the distance races that provided excitement. Excellent performances were had by many sprinters, hurdlers, jumpers, and throwers.
Continue reading below for captioned photos of the action and check out the galleries for subscribers: McCullough-Douglas Invitational Photos.
Photo above: Digging Deep (view in desktop mode for full image)
Perryville senior and cross country all-stater and track state qualifier Tegan Bishop, a 2:21 800 runner, kicks to a personal best in the 1600-meter run. Bishop placed 6th in 5:35 in a strong field. Bishop edged a handful of runners, including all-state performers Kale Clements of Ste. Genevieve (right), and Blue Springs South's Ella Rew (left) and Caitlin Grover (left #4).
Two to go!
An official puts out two fingers indicating how many laps remaining the ladies had in the 3200-meter run.
Marquand-Zion senior Kaylee Stafford throws the shot on her way to an 11th-place finish. Stafford qualified for the Class 1 state meet in the event last year, the first time ever the school sponsored the sport. Stafford was coached last year by Drew White, the former Festus standout whose sister Dari was on hand, racing as a senior for Festus. Drew is now teaching and coaching in Colorado.
Title to go with a long trip
Blue Springs South senior Magdalene Boley (right) runs a leg of the Jaguars winning 4x800, which finished in 9:55. Allen, who earned Class 5 All-State honors in cross country last fall, was one of many all-state distance runners on hand to compete at the Festus McCullough-Douglas Invitational.
Majestic Mane
A DeSoto runner and his long hair take a curve in the 4x800 at the Festus McCullough-Douglas Invitational, while an onlooker watches.
Oh-No
A McCluer runner tries to put his shoe back on after it came loose during the 4x800.
Twin vs Twin
Liberty North junior Collin Kleinhen (left) and Hillsboro's Josh Allison battle to the finish of the 4x800. Kleinhen split 1:59 in gusty conditions to give the Liberty North Eagles the victory in the 4x800 over the Hawks, 8:11:37 to 8:11.65. Both are twins, as Collin and Kaden helped North to the 2022 Class 5 state cross country title while Josh and twin Jonah helped Hillsboro to the Class 4 state crown last fall.