Skyler Still's last throw secures state gold in javelin

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Kelly High School’s Skyler Still defied expectations and secured a dramatic victory in the javelin at the MSHSAA Class 3 State Track and Field Meet, held at Adkins Stadium on Saturday, May 18.

Heading into his final throw, Still sat in fourth place. But the junior saved his best for last, unleashing a throw of 55.5 meters that soared past the competition, earning him the gold medal.

“It feels amazing," Still said. "I was mad because I wasn't throwing my best, but my last throw felt different from the moment it left my hand. I couldn't see how far it went, but I saw a lot of people make faces. As soon as they said how far I threw, I was in shock, and then very happy."

The victory was especially meaningful for Still, who had never considered himself a track athlete before joining the team as a sophomore. A natural athlete with a strong arm from his experience playing football, he initially hesitated to try javelin, unsure if it was the right fit. But assistant football coach Jackson Rushin's persistent encouragement eventually sparked Still's curiosity.

“He encouraged me to give it a chance,” Still said. “It took a few weeks, but I decided to try it.”

After a few weeks of contemplation, Still finally stepped onto the track, javelin in hand, ready to test his abilities. He quickly discovered a passion for the sport, thriving in the competitive atmosphere and the challenge of constantly striving for improvement.

"What I love most about throwing the javelin is the competition between the guys,” he said. “And setting new standards for myself to meet every week.”

Still's state championship-winning throw wasn't just a personal best; it also set a new school record.

“[Still] was focused and the most consistent of all the athletes throwing,” said Kelly coach Steven Musial. “Five of his six throws were over 50 meters. After the Montgomery County athlete passed him on his last throw, [Still] took it personally and hit a bomb.”

Kelly's success wasn't limited to Still's gold medal performance. The boys' 4x200 relay team, led by senior Canon Kirkpatrick and including Grant Burleson, Preston Appleton, and Zach Hileman, sprinted to a sixth-place finish while also breaking the school record with a time of 1:30.92.

Grady Hall also represented the Hawks well, achieving a 10th-place finish in the high jump with a leap of 1.85 meters.

Blaire Riley was the lone female athlete from Kelly to qualify for state, and she made her presence known with a fourth-place finish in the javelin, throwing 36.94.

Kelly's remarkable season, highlighted by seven school records, culminated in a strong showing at the state meet. The team's dedication and competitive drive were evident throughout the year, and their success serves as a springboard for even greater aspirations.

"We had a great group of athletes that were very competitive and driven to break school records and go to state," said Kelly coach Steven Musial. "We're already looking ahead, we want a team trophy – a goal Kelly hasn't thought about in a long time."