News Summary

Sam Novak from Phoenix Country Day School has set a new state pole vault record at the Top of the Mountain Invite, clearing 17 feet 8 inches. This remarkable achievement places him third in the national rankings. Other athletes, including Trig Riefkohl and Ryder Hall, also showcased exceptional performances during the event. A freshman, Kadyn Hysong, made history with the best pole vault performance by a freshman in Arizona history. The competitive spirit continues to thrive in Arizona track and field as the season progresses.

Sam Novak Takes Arizona by Storm with New Pole Vault Record!

In a thrilling display of athleticism and determination, Sam Novak, a senior from Phoenix Country Day School, has soared to new heights in the world of high school track and field. On April 15, 2023, at the exhilarating Top of the Mountain Invite, Novak set a stunning new state record in the boys’ pole vault, clearing an impressive 17 feet, 8 inches. This phenomenal achievement surpassed the previous record of 17-7, which had been held by Cole Riddle from Surprise Valley Vista since 2017.

Novak’s performance has not only put him in the record books, but it has also catapulted him to the No. 3 spot in the United States rankings for the pole vault. And he shows no signs of slowing down! Just a few days after setting the state record, he competed at the Mt. SAC Relays on April 19, finishing second at a height of 17-1. This season, Novak has impressively cleared over 17 feet a whopping seven times, both in indoor and outdoor competitions.

Other Top Performers Shine in Week Eight

The excitement didn’t stop with Novak as other standout athletes were making waves across various events. Trig Riefkohl, a senior from Buckeye Verrado, reclaimed his place as the state leader in the discus throw with an amazing throw of 179-10 at the Top of the Mountain Invite. This marks a hefty improvement of nearly 14 feet over his personal best from last year!

Meanwhile, Ryder Hall, a junior from Snowflake, was on cloud nine after soaring to victory in the high jump at the Ben Franklin Friday Night Lights, clearing 6-8. This performance not only secured him the win but also established a new state season lead and marked his first career jump over 6-6.

Another athlete to watch is Juleus Lewis, a senior from Tempe Corona del Sol, who took home the gold in the long jump at the Top of the Mountain Invite with a remarkable jump of 23-9.75, earning him the top spot in the state for this event.

A Freshman Making History!

Highlighting the bright future of Arizona track and field, Kadyn Hysong, a freshman from Phoenix Shadow Mountain, cleared 16-9 in pole vault at the Mt. SAC Relays. This incredible feat not only ranks him No. 2 overall in Arizona but sets the all-time best vault performance by a freshman in state history!

Competitive Spirit Reigns

The competitive landscape was fierce, with Nevaeh Anderson from Tucson Pueblo Magnet achieving a personal best of 21.40 seconds in the 200 meters at the Nighthawk Invitational, putting her up to No. 3 in the state for that event. Not to be outdone, Ryan Schalow from Tempe Corona del Sol finished second in the long jump at 23-4.25, showcasing a commendable performance that ranks him No. 4 in Arizona.

Even the younger athletes are making their mark! Peyton-Rae Isaac, a freshman from Waddell Canyon View, crossed the finish line in under 57 seconds for the 400 meters—a first for any freshman this season!

A Glimpse at Historical Achievement

All these standout performances have contributed to a rich tapestry of athletic excellence in Arizona. For instance, Highland’s 4×100-meter relay team brought the crowd to its feet with a time of 40.88, placing them third on the all-time list in state history!

As the season continues to unfold, athletes like Novak, Hysong, and their peers are setting the stage for an exciting future in Arizona track and field. Whether breaking records or achieving personal bests, these athletes are a testament to hard work, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

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