Poore makes history at ISU Boys Classic

Poore had tied Casey Smith’s 1998 record of 6-06 last year, but couldn’t quite get over 6-07, just missing on several attempts.

He finally cleared that mark Tuesday, in his first competition since last spring’s State Coed Track and Field Meet.

Poore finished first in the event, which included 87 entries. He jumped three inches higher than second place.

Aside from breaking the school record with the win, Mount Ayr head coach Brad Elliott said he believes this is the first time a Mount Ayr athlete has won an event at the ISU Boys Classic, which is an all-comers meet, featuring athletes from all four classes.

“Senior Braydee Poore was on fire at the season opener with a personal best of 6-07,” Elliott said. “It’s an amazing accomplishment to win the ISU Boys Classic. It’s an all-comers meet, so you have the best 4A through 1A athletes competing for the top spot.”

Poore also finished 21st out of 122 entries in the 60 meter hurdles with a time of 8.87 seconds, winning his heat.

The 4x800 meter relay team of Erik Freed, Kyle Dolecheck, Shane Swank and Noah Larsen came in 24th out of 59 entries, running 8:59.52.

Junior Jacob Sobotka, after spending six weeks in a walking boot during basketball season, finished 32nd in the 400 meter dash with a time of 54.62. Jack Jones placed 80th in 57.27.

Sobotka finished 90th and Jack Jones placed 126th out of 194 competitors in the 60 meter dash.

Junior Noah Larsen finished 42nd out of 126 entries in the 1,600 meter run. Larsen clocked a time of 4:57.87.

Sophomore Joe Ricker earned valuable experience in the throwing ring, despite fouling three times in the shot put, Elliott said.

“This is an early meet for the guys coming from their winter sports, so we went into this meet just looking to get some track time,” Elliott said. “I am very pleased with the way things looked due to our limited time outdoors so far this season.”