Mules, Lady Mules qualify several for state track

HILLSBORO — The Poplar Bluff Mules and Lady Mules boys and girls track and field teams will be well-represented at state after several athletes qualified at Saturday's Class 5 sectional meet at Hillsboro.

The top four finishers in each sectional event qualify for state.

On the boys side, Darius Graham will get to defend his 2023 state title in the high jump after he qualified for state in all three jumping events, clearing 6 feet, 8 3/4 inches to win the high jump and winning the long jump with a jump of 23 feet, 7 1/2 inches.

Graham took second in the triple jump (46 feet, 7 inches) to qualify there as well, while Isaiah Nevel also qualified for state in the high jump with a jump of 6 feet, 6 3/4 inches.

Spencer Nunn punched his ticket to state by taking second in the pole vault by clearing an even 14 feet, while Alex Larkins took third in the javelin (154 feet, 1 1/2 inches), Patrick Slack took fourth in the 110-meter hurdles (15.36 seconds) and the 4x200-meter relay team of Brenden Durden, Kolyn McBride, Colt Clifford and Xzavir Jones also took fourth (1:29.11).

On the girls side, Kennedy Zgaynor won the javelin with a throw of 142 feet, 8 1/4 inches, while Trynitee Watkins took third in the 100-meter hurdles (15.79 seconds) and Koryenna Williams placed fourth in the 100-meter dash (12.76 seconds).

The Class 5 state track and field meet is set for Friday and Saturday at Adkins Stadium on the campus of Jefferson City High School.