It was a championship weekend to remember for Piper Track & Field, as the Pirates returned home from the 2025 KSHSAA 5A State Championships with medals, school records, a state champion and a team trophy.
The boys’ team earned 3rd place overall, claiming the first-ever 5A state track & field team trophy in Piper history. Every athlete played a part, whether scoring points, setting records, or contributing to the tight-knit team culture that carried the Pirates through a demanding weekend.
The medal count started in dramatic fashion with senior Max Clark, who shattered the school record in the javelin and broke the 200-foot barrier with a throw of 201’06”, earning state runner-up honors. Fellow thrower Kole Schaunaman closed his senior year with a personal best of 185’04,” good for 5th place and a trip to the podium.
On the track, Nora Turney dominated the field in the 100m hurdles, clocking in at 14.52 to become the 5A state champion. She added a third-place medal in the 300m hurdles, finishing a busy weekend that included five total races.
In the boys’ hurdles, Shinji Pollard had a breakout weekend, finishing 2nd in the 110m hurdles with a blazing 14.12 and placing 8th in the 300m hurdles to earn his third state medal. Senior Carsen Avery joined him on the podium in both events, finishing 7th in the 110m and 4th in the 300m, ending his high school career on a high note.
Piper’s relay teams brought both speed and inspiration. The girls’ 4x800m relay—featuring Kate Lockamy, Elizabeth Arenas, Breckyn Shaw, and Ella Eads—broke the school record again with a time of 9:49.82, earning 7th place and a spot on the podium.
In the sprints, Kylie Rice and Skyler Little both placed 3rd in their respective 100m dash finals, with sophomore Da’Mon Jamierson earning 7th to medal as well. Skyler continued his strong showing with a clutch 3rd-place finish in the 200m dash, securing the team’s spot on the overall podium in the final moments of the meet.
The boys’ 4x100m relay team—Pollard, Jamierson, Eli Watts, and Little—earned state runner-up honors with a time of 42.12, the second fastest in school history.
In the girls’ long jump, freshman Ella L’Heureux placed 7th, capping off an incredible debut season.
The girls’ 4x400m relay team of Kate Lockamy, Kylie Rice, Ella Eads, and Nora Turney closed out the weekend with a season-best time of 4:03.67—the second fastest in school history—earning a 6th place finish at the state meet. Senior Kylie Rice, who has anchored the 4×4 at state every year of her high school career, finished with a personal-best split—an unforgettable way to end her time as a Pirate.
Several Pirates qualified and competed valiantly, including Lucy Traffis (pole vault), Alamar Brooks (long jump, high jump), Ronin Trusskey and Westin Haworth (discus), and the boys’ 4×400 and 4×800 relay teams.
While the medals and records are remarkable, Coach Josh Baxter emphasized the collective effort behind the team’s historic finish. “This wasn’t just about the point scorers. Every athlete on this trip contributed in their own way—whether competing, supporting teammates, or setting the tone all season long,” said Coach Baxter. “This is the most well-rounded team we’ve ever had, with points coming from all event groups.”
Special thanks go to Piper’s coaching staff—Coaches Beebe, Dolinar, Friesen, Kamienski, Lockridge, Lockwood, and Richmond—for their dedication and leadership throughout the season.
As the Pirates celebrate a historic year, the momentum is already building for what’s to come. With a young core of talent and a legacy to build on, the future of Piper Track & Field looks faster, stronger, and brighter than ever.
