By Hayden Swope
Bryce Barkdull, a junior at Andover Central, has been working all season to make a run at state. Hoping to break a few stats and records, Barkdull is ready for the upcoming state meet.
“I had a few goals this season,” Barkdull said. “I would like to break my brother’s 5A state record that he set last year. I already broke his school record a few times but I would like to break the state record as well. I would also like to break the all division state record set at 17 feet. Currently the number two junior mark of all time is set at 18’1. I would like to beat that this year.”
Besides the state meet, Barkdull had a successful regular season, achieving personal records and performing with his team.
“My most memorable moment this year so far had to have been at our Andover invitational meet a few weeks ago when I jumped 17 ‘3,” Barkdull said. “There wasn’t a huge crowd, but all my friends were there cheering me on so I got to celebrate with them.”
While Barkdull is only involved in track and field at Andover Central, he spends his off time continuing to train for the spring season.
“When it’s not outdoor season, I go vault at WSU Shocker Track Club during the fall and winter,” Barkdull said.
Still a year away, Barkdull hopes to continue his track and field career after high school at the higher level.
“I am planning on continuing my athletics in college, but I haven’t decided where I would like to go yet,” Barkdull said. “A lot of colleges have good pole vault programs and academic programs, so it will be hard to choose.”
