Columbia Rock Bridge coach Neal Blackburn was named the Missouri State High School Activities Association 2022-23 Boys Track and Field Coach of the Year.
MSHSAA announced the news on Oct. 4, honoring the Bruins' head coach. Blackburn helped Rock Bridge repeat as the Class 5 champion, winning the last three state championships.
Rock Bridge racked up 73.5 points at the 2023 MSHSAA Class 5 State Track and Field Championships to earn a three-peat by 15.5 points. The Bruins' state title run was highlighted by event titles in the 4x100 and 4x200, anchored by senior Casey Hood, as well as the 1600 and 3200 titles by junior Andrew Hauser and senior Ian Kemey.
He sat down with Mo MileSplit to talk about the award, looking back on the 2023 season, how the cross country season is going, and even hairstyles.
Andrew Hauser pulled off an amazing come from behind win in the 1600 in 4:12 and was 8th in the 3200.
Casey Hood anchored the winning 4x100 (42.34/41.86), 4x200 (1:26.6/1:26.15), and took 2nd in the 200 (21.43/21.57) and 4th in the 100 (10.78/10.54w).
Senior Ian Kemey won the 3200 in 9:13, was 5th in the 1600 in 4:13, and 11th in the 800 in 1:58.58.
Luke Sievers (left) and Andrew Hauser sporting new looks at the Gans Creek Classic.