By Jennifer Redden
The 2025 KHSAA Track and Field State Championship took place on May 30 at the University of Kentucky. Participants for PCHS this year included Tyler Redden, Katie Black, Brian Lynch, Kai Ledone, Leland Gibson, Jordan Ewers, Nick Black, RJ Sanders, Jeffery Simpson, Sam Hodge, Michael Schaller, and Dylan Beckett.
Tyler Redden competed in shot put and discus while Black competed in pole vault. The other athletes competed in the Unified division, which partners a special athlete with a partner athlete. The top eight athletes in each division make it to the podium to receive medals and gain points for the team.
Redden, a senior, medaled in shot put, placing eighth, with a throw of 44 feet, 8.75 inches. He barely missed the podium in discus, placing ninth, with a throw of 126 feet 8 inches.
“I was very blessed to be able to go to state for the second year in a row,” according to Redden. “Although the weather was against us, I enjoyed the atmosphere and was confident in my ability to still compete. Making it to the finals at state in both of my events really surprised me and making it to the podium for shot put shocked me twice as much. The competition was intense, but everyone was nice and bonded well.” he added.
Katie Black was unable to make it over the pole, set at 7 foot, 6 inches, on her first three attempts. “Making it to state for pole vault is a testament to the hard work and dedication I have poured into a sport that I love. Despite being two hours away throughout the week, making it to state was made possible by the constant support and encouragement of my amazing coaches and team,” said Black. “Track has not only pushed me to grow stronger and more focused but has also given me a family that I will be forever grateful for.”
The Unified team brought home medals in several different divisions. In the Unified 4x100 meter relay, the team consisting of Sam Hodge, Jordan Ewers, RJ Sanders, and Jeffery Simpson placed third. They were edged out by Holmes and Spencer County. The relay team comprised of Kai Ledone, Dylan Beckett, Leland Gibson, and Brian Lynch placed seventh. In the Unified Long Jump, Jeffery Simpson and RJ Sanders placed sixth. In Unified shot put, the duo of Dylan Beckett and Tyler Redden placed fourth.
“I am so grateful to work with such a great group of athletes and their dedicated partners,” according to Unified Coach Jennifer Redden. “Going to state is such an awesome experience. The torrential rain got our day off to a rough start, but in the end the Unified team was able to bring back 12 medals. I am so proud to coach such a successful team!”
The 2025 track and field season will officially end on June 5 when the team will hold their banquet and awards ceremony.