Wildkats earn medals, set records at state track and field championships
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The Kokomo Wildkats capped off an impressive track and field season with several standout performances at the IHSAA State Championships, highlighted by medal-winning efforts, school-record performances, and inspiring displays of perseverance.
Leading the way for the boys’ team was senior Jeremiah Young, who delivered a memorable finish to his high school career. Young earned a third-place medal in the long jump with an outdoor personal best leap of 23 feet, 11 inches. His journey to the podium was anything but ordinary.
Long jump coach Manny Williams was forced to leave the state meet after the preliminary rounds to officiate a wedding. Young entered the finals sitting in sixth place, but adversity struck when he injured his hamstring during his second jump. A lengthy rain delay before the final round proved to be a turning point, giving sprint coach Nova Williams time to help Young recover while also allowing Manny Williams to return in time for the final jump of Young’s career.
With remarkable composure, Young produced a near-perfect approach and takeoff, soaring to his personal best and securing third place. His achievement was a fitting reward for four years of leadership, dedication, and hard work.
Junior Omar Daniels also made a strong impression in his state meet debut. Competing in both hurdle events, Daniels faced challenging conditions as rain delays interrupted each race, including one delay while he was at the starting line. After narrowly missing the 110-meter hurdle finals by just one-hundredth of a second, Daniels responded with determination. He bounced back to earn a second-place finish in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 37.91 seconds, trailing only the nation’s top-ranked hurdler.
Senior distance runner Cooper Cage represented Kokomo in the 1600 meters, finishing 26th in the state. Cage concludes his Wildkat career as one of the school’s most accomplished distance athletes, ranking fourth all-time in the 1600 meters and sixth all-time in the 3200 meters. He will continue his academic and athletic career at Indiana Wesleyan University.
Senior thrower Marcus Noy finished 28th in the discus competition. Noy’s tremendous improvement throughout the season earned him Kokomo’s Most Improved Athlete award for 2026. His regional throw of 157 feet, 5 inches ranks seventh in school history.
On the girls’ side, sophomore Giyanna Thornton earned her first All-State honor with a seventh-place finish in the 300-meter hurdles. Thornton enjoyed a breakthrough season, setting school records in both hurdle events while demonstrating tremendous growth and confidence throughout the year.
“It was a good experience to run against people who were faster than me,” said Thornton. “I felt like I was meant to be there, and I had a better mindset this year as well. Even though I didn't run the time I wanted, I placed on the podium and went up 10 places from last year. I now know what I need to fix in order to be at the top. I'm glad I can say I'm exceeding my goals so fast.”
Senior Jhazlyn McKay closed out her season with a second state meet appearance, finishing 27th in the 100-meter hurdles. Her accomplishment was especially meaningful after overcoming a winter injury to return to the state’s biggest stage.
Together, Kokomo’s state qualifiers showcased resilience, determination, and excellence while proudly representing their school at Indiana’s premier track and field event.