​Three Eagles earn all-state honors in final day of state track meet

by Michael Smith, Grain Valley News
 
JEFFERSON CITY – Grain Valley senior Alyssa Carver had the best season of her career in the pole vault in 2025.
 
She earned a personal record in the Class 5 District 7 meet two weeks ago with a height of 5.79 meters and was a contender for a state title going into Day 2 of the Missouri State High School Track and Field Saturday at Adkins Stadium.
 
The senior fell short of her goal to become a state champion, however, as she took fourth place with a height of 3.60 meters. The finish didn’t take away from the great career Carver had in the pole vault as she earned her third all-state medal.
 
On her final attempt to clear 3.65 meters, it appeared the bar was going to stay in the place holders after she nicked the bar, but it fell down, which eliminated her from contention for a state title. An emotional Carver went and hugged her javelin coach as she knew that was the end of her high school career.
 
“I was a bit under my (personal record),” Carver said. “I am still happy I was able to get all state and this was a great experience even though this is not how I wanted it to end.
 
“I don’t know if my technique was a little off today. The wind caught me a few times to throw me off. Usually, I push through it. It was an off day.”
 
Carver admitted she never thought she would get as good as she did at the pole vault. She was a gymnast for eight years at the Great American Gymnastics Express facility in Blue Springs before joining the track and field team.
 
“It was something I just started doing for fun,” Carver said. “I didn’t think it would take me much of anywhere. I am going to college (at Southeast Missouri State University) for it now and got a scholarship for it. My goal for the season was to clear (12 feet, 3 inches) but I ended up getting (12 feet, 6 inches). I am still proud of that.”
 
On the boys side, senior Jason Wilson earned three all-state finishes in the para division. He earned a state championship in the discus (15.95 meters), was second in the shot put (5.61
meters) and third in the 100 (23.63 seconds).
 
“My discus throw was a (personal record),” Wilson said. “It felt good.”
 
Senior Drake Ford had a breakout season during his first full season competing in the triple jump. Cracking the top eight in that event came down to his last jump as he was sitting in ninth place coming into it. On his final attempt, he got a distance of 13.75 meters, which was good enough to get his first all-state placement as he finished eighth.
 
“I am blessed to be here,” Ford said. “I was nervous. When everyone started clapping, I got
really scared.”