WICHITA Hadley Splechters bid for triple gold began in fine fashion Friday.
The Yates Center High standout runner dodged raindrops long enough to win the 3200-meter run in the Class 2A boys division at the state track meet. Splechter completed the race in a scorching 9 minutes, 45.06 seconds, a full 10 seconds ahead of his nearest competitor.
When he gets to vie for gold in his other two signature events, the 1600- and 800-meter runs remains up in the air.
A line of thunderstorms caused frequent delays at Wichita State Universitys Cessna Stadium.
As of press time, a revised schedule of events had yet to be announced. Ideally, organizers hope to wrap up the massive meet by the end of today.
Other area athletes also got into the action.
Humboldt Highs Tucker Hurst finished 13th in the Class 2A boys shot put, with a distance of 45 feet, 2 inches. Jaelynn Goforth failed to reach the opening height in the girls 2A high jump.
Crest Highs Ursula Billings, meanwhile, finished ninth in the 1A girls 3200 meters, with a time of 13:12.39.
Marmaton Valley Highs Bailey Griffith finished 12th in the 1A girls long jump with a leap of 157 1/4.
Southern Coffey Countys Jaden Pankey finished 10th in the 1A boys high jump at 510. Haven Harvey finished 14th in the 1A girls javelin at 1038.
