SIOUX FALLS – A strength all spring capped off the season for Aberdeen Central during the Class AA portion of the State Track and Field Meet Saturday at Howard Wood Field.
Kyson Fayant broke the state meet record on the way to winning the 300-meter intermediate hurdles, and Mya Arampatzis broke the Central school record en route to finishing runner-up in the 100-meter hurdles.
Fayant, who earlier this season clocked the fastest time in state history in the 300 hurdles at :37.77, defended his state championship in the event with a time of :38.32.
The senior held off a challenge from Tyler Pankonin of Sioux Falls Washington to record the victory.
“I felt him right behind me,” Fayant said. “I saw a few steps behind me.”
Fayant, who plans to compete in the 400 hurdles at Northern State next season, said he doesn’t pay much attention to his competitors, instead concentrating on what he needs to do.
“I just focus on my own race,” Fayant said, “just think about what you could do in the future for it and just run like hell.”
Fayant is the only hurdler in state history to run under 38 seconds in state history and he did it twice earlier this month.
“It’s pretty much technique,” Fayant said of the key to running the 300 hurdles. “Three steps off is probably the main thing. “
Arampatzis got off to a rough start and was not quite able to defend her state title in the 100 hurdles, finishing just behind Maya Khachikian of Rapid City Stevens.
“The start was probably the difference,” Arampatzis said. “I started just a tad bit behind her and she beat me to that first one. I caught up a bit and closed that gap a bit.”
With a short race, there isn’t much opportunity to make up ground and Aramapatzis was never able to fully recover.
“Once you get behind you kind of fight to get in front, then your form kind of falls apart a little bit,” Arampatzis said. “I really tried hard. I think my form stayed together, it was just that start that got me off to a bad foot.”
The junior plans on coming back and getting back on top of the podium next season.
“I’m happy I’m staying consistent,” Arampatzis said, “and next year I plan to win.”
Central girls’ coach Jim Appl said that Arampatzis has nothing to be ashamed of in running one of the top times in state history at :14.30.
“You look at Mya Arampatzis, defending champ. She breaks the school record, she runs tied for the seventh fastest all-time, and she gets second,” Appl said. “You run your best race that you’ve ever ran in your life, you make the top-10 leaderboard … I say hey, there’s nothing to complain about.”
The Central girls also received points from Regan Lust in the high jump and pair of relay teams.
Keyana Stillman ran the opening leg in both of those relay races.
“No matter what race it is, I always try and think about not jumping that gun and trying to start really fast,” Stillman said. “Get out the blocks really good, then trying to run as fast as I can and get it to my teammates and set them up in a good spot.”
The Golden Eagles set a school record in the 400-meter relay earlier this season.
“We broke 49.09, so we got into the 48,” Stillman said, “so that was really cool to see.”
Stillman is also a key member of the Central soccer team, and said there is a major difference between the two sports.
“Usually soccer, I don’t have to sprint as much,” Stillman said. “I just stay in the middle of the field and track where I think the ball is going to be. Here you have to be spot on and ready to go.”
Lust tied for fifth in the high jump with a leap of 5-feet, 3-inches.
“Our jumpers really came through at the meet here for us,” Appl said. “The key was she cleared the first one clean. What a time to PR and make 5-3.”
The Central boys also received points from Tate DeVries in the 1,600-meter run and Carter Lust in the 200-meter dash and two relays.
Lust was involved in a unique 200 which was run backwards to take advantage of the wind.
“I’ve never really done that, not even in practice, so it was new,” Lust said.
The junior ran in lane eight so he wasn’t sure what was transpiring behind him.
“Just take that lead to an advantage, I guess,” Lust said, “and try to use it for confidence.”
Lust knew he was competing against a loaded field and had to run fast.
“You know there’s going to be good people out there,” Lust said, “so you just have to try to put yourself out there.”
Lust said the Golden Eagles had a solid season that featured two school records.
“We broke the 4×2, 4×1. … We weren’t really expecting to get all that,” Lust said, “but we did it in the end, so we’re very proud of each other.”
Central boys’ coach Greg Murley was happy with his team’s performance.
“Once again a good day,” Murley said.
The state meet featured a few highs and lows for the Golden Eagles.
“That’s every state track meet,” Murley said. “You’re going to have half a dozen good things happen, you’re going to have half a dozen bad things happen, and it very much ran into line this year.”
The meet was the final one for Murley, who is stepping down from his coaching duties.
“I’ve been lucky,” Murley said. “I’ve had a great group of athletes over the years.”
Appl said he will miss his coaching counterpart, but plans to stay in touch.
“That’s going to be a new adventure next year,” Appl said. “It’s a say day for me. It really is, but I look forward to whatever he wants to do in the future and everything moving forward, and I bought him a fishing license so I get to hang out with him.”
To see complete meet results, click on the following link:
