Kempton, Magee turns in school records to win at Idaho state track meet
BOISE – Post Falls sophomore Melody Kempton might be best known for her basketball abilities, but she’s building quite a resume on the track, too.
Kempton had a big weekend at the Idaho 5A/4A state track meet, winning two individual championships and setting a school record in the triple jump at Dona Larsen Park.
“I feel like I performed pretty well,” Kempton said. “I really enjoy staying in shape and being part of the track team, and to have three state titles, it feels pretty great.”
Kempton’s biggest feat came in the triple jump, winning with a mark of 36 feet, 6 1/2 inches. She also cleared 5-6 in the high jump to defend her title.
“I was really happy with my triple jump,” Kempton said. “Coming in, I was just hoping to place. I didn’t really expect to win with an almost two-foot (personal record).”
Kempton’s double-gold performance was the highlight of a busy, rain-soaked weekend for north Idaho athletes in Boise.
Zach Magee’s win in the 400 meters was a tale of redemption. After underperforming and missing the final at last year’s state meet, the Coeur d’Alene junior was determined for a better result.
When his moment came, Magee delivered, winning in a school-record time of 48.49 seconds.
“All year, I’ve been working toward this state championship,” Magee said. “The way things went last year really motivated me to do better. Now, I’ve got to train hard and keep that drive to win again.”
Coeur d’Alene’s Grady Leonard, who won shot put gold on Friday, added a third-place finish in discus on Saturday.
Other top 5A finishers included Lake City’s Alex Ayers (second in the 400 meters) along with Post Falls’ Mackenzie Morris (second in the long jump).
Rocky Mountain dominated the team competition, sweeping both the boys and girls titles with 132.5 and 111.5 points, respectively. Boise-area schools captured all eight 5A team trophies.
4A: Moscow’s Katherine Ruck, a junior, captured gold in the 3,200 meters on Friday. She placed third in the 1,600 on Saturday.
“I’ve been trying to win the 3,200 for three years, so I’m really excited that I finally got it,” Ruck said. “I was happy to medal in the 1,600, too.”
The Bears added three state runners-up: sprinter Kate Wray in the 100 meters and distance runner Josh Corgatelli in the 1,600 and 3,200.
Sandpoint’s Hannah Davis finished second up in the 800. Lakeland pole vaulter Bannock Pointer also recorded a third-place finish.
Bishop Kelly swept the girls and boys team titles with 164.5 and 106 points, respectively.
3A: The Timberlake boys took fourth, finishing with 69 points. Shelley (111) won the state title.
Timberlake was led by Randy Duclos, who won a state title in the 100 (11.39) and took fourth in the 200 (23.16).
Jack Wade of Bonners Ferry won the discus (146-3).
Jed Ward of Timberlake took second in the 110 hurdles (15.57). Timberlake’s boys took fourth in the 400 relay and 1,600 relay.
Kara Steele of Kellogg was second in the triple jump (16-6 1/2).
2A: Brooklyn Cunningham of Coeur d’Alene Charter took third in the 100 (13.45).
The CdA Charter girls 1,600 relay (4:21.34) took third.
The St. Maries boys 400 relay (45.23) took second.
1A: Madison Napierala of Kootenai took fourth in the 100 (13.67).