The Shadow Ridge Track and Field Team wrapped up an impressive season at the state meet with multiple state champions, medalists, and top team finishes. The boys team finished 7th out of 22 teams while the girls team placed 4th out of 22 teams, showing the strength and depth of the program.
Senior Luke Juden captured the title of Pole Vault State Champion, while the boys 4x400m relay team of Nick Levia, Jokai Johnson, Zach Owens, and Hawkin Ledingham also earned a state championship victory.
Several athletes earned podium finishes throughout the meet. David Ross placed 2nd in shot put, Emoni Young took 2nd in high jump and 2nd in long jump, Audrey Luth earned 3rd in high jump, and Ali Pattillo-Cleveland placed 4th in long jump. On the track, Elynn Okuda finished 4th in the 1600m, Jokai Johnson earned 3rd in the 400m, and Ryen Hughes placed 4th in the 3200m. The girls 4x200m relay team of Presley Walker, Kendell Williams, Jayahna Hood, and Lauren Moss also earned a 4th place finish.
Ryen Hughes reflected on the season and her accomplishment at state.
“I love running track so much and being able to make it to state and medal in my 3200 making it a great end to a fun season,” Hughes said.
Head coach Mike Smith praised the team’s effort and resilience throughout the high-pressure environment of the state meet.
“It was a fantastic state meet. Plenty of up and down moments, which is to be expected in a stressful environment,” Smith said. “I am so proud of all the athletes who competed this weekend. It’s a major accomplishment to make it to state and an even bigger one to medal. Congratulations to our State Medalists!”
Smith also gave special recognition to two athletes who made school history.
“Special shoutout to Luke Juden and Hawkin Ledingham for being 4 time state champions,” Smith said. “They each have competed in state since freshman year helping with winning the past 3 team state championships and now earning their individual state championship. They are the only athletes in school history with 4 state championships.”
After a demanding year balancing coaching, cross country, family life, and business responsibilities, coaches Amber and Mike Smith considered stepping away from the program. However, the strong connection they share with the team ultimately led them to continue coaching at Shadow Ridge.
“This year has been super crazy,” Smith said. “Between Coach Amber and myself, coaching an additional sport (cross country), running our business, our son Atlas, coaching one of the largest and best track teams in the state, and everything else this world has thrown at us.”
Despite the challenges, Smith said leaving the program never felt right.
“We love the track family we have made,” Smith said. “We love that Atlas has 200 other families to grow up with. It was never easy saying goodbye, which is why we both have decided to not say goodbye forever yet.”
Smith ended with a message to the team about the future of the program.
“To our seniors, it is goodbye but we know you will be doing amazing things in this world,” Smith said. “To the rest of our team, we will see you next year. We have some unfinished business to take care of.”
