In a state dominated by upperclassmen, these Utah sophomores have stepped up to compete with the state's best.
Listed below are standout sophomores from the first half of the Utah track and field season.
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Girls
Bridget Smit, (Brighton, 10th) | 1600m - 5:05.67, 3200m - 10:37.71
After a great start to the season with a 10:54 3200m in Utah, the Arcadia Invitational proved that Smit shows up under the bright lights. She ran a personal record of 10:37, finishing 4th overall in the rated section.
Mallory Carter, (Park City, 10th) | 400m - 56.61
After running only one 400m this season, Mallory Carter ran the #6 fastest time in Utah as a sophomore.
Mailey Rimmasch, (Pine View, 10th) | Discus - 149-9, Shot - 36-2.75
At the Arcadia Invitational, Mailey Rimmasch entered the discus State title conversation after throwing 149-9 to win the open session.
Maryanne Carlson, (Corner Canyon, 10th) | Discus - 140-1, Shot Put - 36-6.75
Carlson's sophomore season has been built on consistency, with a 140-1 throw to win the UVU Utah County HS Invitational and move up to #2 in the state.
Kaliah Hodgson, (Bonneville, 10th) | Long Jump - 17-3.5
She shocked the state in the first long jump competition of her high school career when she leaped to 17-3.5, ranking her #15 in the state.
Boys
Chase Hejny, (American Fork, 10th) | 1600m - 4:16.39
After becoming a key collaborator to American Fork's cross country team, Chase Henjy has used that momentum to emerge as one of the top underclassmen on the track.
Alexander Johnson, (Syracuse, 10th) | Long Jump - 22-5.75 (1.3)
In the first meet of his high school career, Alexander Johnson launched himself to 22-5.75 and earned the #2 rank in the state.
Kenneth Rowe, (Alta, 10th) | 100m - 11.13, 200m - 22.24 (1.7), 400m - 49.83
As the top underclassmen in the 200m and 400m, Kenneth Rowe demands the attention of the entire state when he steps on the track.
Falcon Jones, (Westlake, 10th) | 800m - 1:58.59, 1600m - 4:22.12, 3200m - 9:23.99
After qualifying for the Brooks XC championships in the fall, Falcon Jones is flexing his versatility with impressive PRs in every event.
Griffin Backman, (Highland, 10th) | 400m - 48.93, 800m - 1:56.20
In addition to running 48.93 during the indoor season, Griffin Backman opened his outdoor season with a near 10-second personal record of 1:56.20, leading all underclassmen in the 800m.
