Simon Kenton’s Alexis Howard won two state titles, one of them setting a state record in Wednesday’s KHSAA Class 3A indoor track and field state meet at the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center in Louisville.
Howard earned gold in both the long jump and triple jump, her 18-foot, seven and a quarter inch jump besting the previous 3A record by nearly three inches set by West Jessamine’s Aly Doyle in 2024.
Cooper’s Paul Van Lanigham bagged another state title to his name, running a Class 3A state record in the 3,200 with a time of 9:09.49. He also finished runner-up in the 1,600, losing a fast race to St. Xavier’s Nick Sanders, the top three finishers setting state record times, Sanders in 4:05.43, Van Laningham in 4:07.88 and Lafayette’s Xavier Richardson in 4:08.37.
Conner’s Avery Vanlandingham won the gold in the 800, setting a time of 2:17.55. Notre Dame’s Norah Barker finished third in the same race, the two separated by .45 hundredths of a second.
Howard’s two firsts equaled 20 points in the team standings, the Lady Pioneers finishing in a tie for eighth in the team standings with 24 points. Oldham County took the girls title with 55.5 points, edging out runner-up Male’s 51 points.
Male won the boys state title with 64 points, 11 better than St. Xavier. Cooper was the top boys team finisher from Northern Kentucky with all 18 points coming from Van Laningham, tying for ninth.
The 2A meet concludes the indoor season on Thursday.
First place
BOYS
3,200 meters — Paul Van Laningham, Cooper (9:09.48) *Class 3A state record
GIRLS
800 meters — Avery Vanlandingham, Conner (2:17.55)
Shot put — Ava Dunn, Cooper (39-3.25)
Long jump — Alexis Howard, Simon Kenton (18-7.25) *Class 3A state record
Triple jump — Alexis Howard, Simon Kenton (37-4.25)
Second place
BOYS
1,600 meters — Paul Van Laningham, Cooper (4:07.88)
GIRLS
Pole vault — Emma Naylor, Campbell County (10-06)
Third place
GIRLS
4×800 relay — Ryle (Stella Carpenter, Aubrey Poore, Hailey Chalfant, Addison McMillen) 9:56.02
800 meters — Norah Barker, Notre Dame (2:18.00)
4×400 relay — Notre Dame (Ella Petzelt, Norah Barker, Frances Maier, Kate Blettner) 4:09.91