Eagles Track and Field teams are State Bound

by Bill Althaus, Grain Valley News


A little bit of rain and brooding clouds overhead at Grain Valley High School Thursday afternoon did not dampen the spirits of state-bound members of the Eagles boys and girls track and field teams, their fans and families and their respective coaching staffs.

Several fans were there to say goodbye to the Eagles as they boarded a bus and made their way to Jefferson City, to complete in the Missouri State High School Activities Association's State Track and Field Championships at Jefferson City High School.

The Eagles will be represented by sophomores Madison Rust and Molly Jones, javelin; and seniors Alyssa Carver, pole vault; Asa Keim, pole vault; Jason Wilson, para track 100, shot put and discus; and Drake Ford, triple jump.

"It's nice when you take a lot of members of your teams," boys coach Eric Stone said, "but it's also to take these athletes. We have the two outstanding sophomores in Madison and Molly, Drake is a first-time state qualifier as a senior and Jason and Asa who capped their senior season with another trip to state."

The mood among the players, coaches, family members and fans was bright and sunny.

"I'm excited," said Wilson, who is making his third trip to state. "I want to thank our coaches for putting in extra time with me; I appreciate them so much. And I want to thank them. My experiences with the track and field program has been amazing."

Carver, who trained in gymnastics for eight years a GAGE (Great American Gymnastics Express) in Blue Springs said her background in gymnastics paved the way to success in the pole vault.

"I was used to jumping and landing because of all those years in gymnastics," Carver said. "This is my third time going to state. I've finished fourth and seventh - and this year, I want to bring home a different color medal."

When asked about her successful career, she said going to state with her friends and teammates made it the best way to end her prep career.

"This year's team has a special bond," Carver added. "And I'm looking as much forward to being my teammates as I am competing. It's our one last time to be together as a group and I want to make the most of it."

So does Ford.

"It's my first time going to state and I can't even tell you how excited I am," Ford said. "I know there will be a lot of people in the stands, but that won't affect me. I'm ready mentally and physically.

"And it's sad knowing that this will be the last meet we will all be together, but it will be fun to spend this weekend at state with them."

Keim is going to state with two goals that he would like to accomplish.

"I'd like to be in the top three and PR (personal record)," Keim said. "It's different than any other meet we will compete in, but I'm going to zone out the crowd, not look into the stands and concentrate on the pole vault."

Blayden Pruett, who finished second at state in the javelin in 2024, could not compete this season because or arm surgery, but he will be at state to cheer for the Eagles' super sophomores.

"I'm excited for Madison and Molly," said Rust, who joined Eagles javelin coach Flip Courter, Rust and Jones for their annual pre-state lunch at Captain's. "I'm proud of them and know they're going to have success."

Courter echoed those comments.

"We haven't thrown very much this week - tapering down for state," Courter said. "We're going to throw a little bit tonight because the javelin area will be open for teams. I'm extremely excited for Madison  and Molly. They've had an amazing season and are ready to compete."

Rust and Jones are good friends who are ready for their first trip to state.

"I know it's going to be a different environment at state - bigger and louder than any meet Molly and I have competed in," Rust said. "And we're ready for that. There is so much talent in the javelin this year, and we like to compete against the best."

Courter said it will be a talented, and young field, in the javelin.

"Last year, there were 11 seniors," Courter said. "This year there are three seniors, nine juniors and three sophomores. So this event is going to have a lot of a talent for the next few years."

Girls track coach Eric Small is excited about the possibility of great success for all members of the track and field team headed to state.

"We're taking a small group of athletes," Small said, "but they all have a shot at doing something special. For our seniors, this is their last time to compete at state, and want it to be a successful championship for them.
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"And our sophomores are really talented. We believe this will be the first of many state appearances for Madison and Molly."

Grain Valley boys track and field coach Eric Stone hands out a state track and field t-shirt to the Eagles' para track standout Jason Wilson. The Eagles are headed to the Missouri State High School Activities Association's State Track and Field Championship Friday and Saturday. Photo credit: Bill Althaus​

Friends, fans and classmates give members of the Grain Valley High School track and field team a special sendoff Thursday morning as the Eagles head to Jefferson City for the Missouri State High School Activities Association's State Track and Field Championship Friday and Saturday. Photo credit: Bill Althaus

The Grain Valley High School boys and girls track and field teams get a special sendoff Thursday afternoon as they are escorted out of town by two members of the Grain Valley Police Department. The Eagles are headed to the Missouri State High School Activities Association's State Track and Field Championship Friday and Saturday in Jefferson City. Photo credit: Bill Althaus
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Grain Valley senior Blayden Pruett, who finished second in the javelin at state in 2024, was not able to compete this season because or arm surgery. But he will be on hand to support sophomores Madison Rust, center, and Molly Jones, who will compete in the javelin at state for the first time. They met at Captain's, along with coach Flip Courter, for their annual pre-state lunch. Photo credit: Bill Althaus