ECHS Sees State Champion, All-State Honors From Track Team at KHSAA State Finals

2024 ECHS track team KHSAA State Meet competitors.

Edmonson Voice Sports:
The ECHS track team traveled to the University of Kentucky to compete in the KHSAA Class A State Track and Field Championships on Thursday, May 30, 2024 where Edmonson County brought home one state title, six All-State performances, and a 17th place finish statewide for the boys' team. 

One of the first events of the day was the boys' shot put, where senior Kasey Webb broke his own school record to become the 1A State Champion. Head coach Brad Meredith discussed the monumental event. 

"At first, Kasey and another athlete from Caldwell County kind of went back and forth taking the lead from each other, then Kasey threw a bomb," he said. "We knew it was going to be a good throw when it left his hand. Once they marked it and yelled out 53' 1", we knew it was over. Everyone cheered and embraced the moment.  It was something special and I hope Kasey remembers that day for a long time because I know I will.”

The first running event of the day was the 4 x 800 relay.  The boys' team of Ashton Johnson, Tanner Bates, Landon Frainch, and Tyler Brooks ran a personal best time of 8:40 to finish 6th and earn All State honors.

“For our boys to come into this state meet and compete like they did shows how talented they are," Meredith said. "All four runners have amazing potential to be great.  As a team, they were ranked 8th coming in , which put some pressure on them. I think they were a little nervous but they overcame the nerves and competed at a high level. I’m very proud of them.”

Ashton Johnson, who Coach Meredith described as "the anchor" of the 4x800 meter relay, also competed in the mile run. He ran a time of 4:49 and finished 17th. “Ashton is another kid that has worked his way into an elite athlete. He has put many miles on his own over the last year. I know he wanted to do better today but he still competed and ran a great time. I expect him to be one of the top runners in the state next year.”

Cariann Williams earned her spot to compete at the state meet by getting an at-large bid. Williams was ranked 14th coming into the meet but finished with an impressive 3rd place finish and earned All State honors.   “Cariann has had an up and down season with high jump, I think midway through our season she was overthinking her approach and form. We actually sat her out of high jump a few meets. She was not satisfied with her performance at region and was determined to bounce back at State. We were extremely proud of her performance” said Coach Brad Meredith.

Blake Talley competed in the pole vault and finished 12th. “For Blake to make it to State was a huge accomplishment. Blake didn’t qualify for State last year and he put in the work during the off-season to make sure he wouldn’t be denied this opportunity again. What makes Blake so special is that he is the type of kid you don’t really have to coach up to compete. He is ready to go at every meet.  For him to not qualify last year and this year finish 12th is really impressive.  I look for him to be on the podium next season,”  said Coach Brad Meredith.  

Haley Shields competed in the girls shot put and finished 22nd. “This was Haley’s first time qualifying for the state meet and she is only a freshman. Haley is an athlete that any coach would love to have on their team. She works hard, is responsible, and loves to compete. Qualifying was a huge accomplishment for her and state was a great experience.  She will continue to improve because of her work ethic, and don’t be surprised if we see her on the podium the next couple of years,” said Coach Brad Meredith.

“I want to thank our coaches Nicole Meredith and Micheal Peger. Our athletes would not be competing on this high of level without them.”