With the boys Division IV State Track and Field Championships set for this weekend, there are a few teams and individuals worth keeping an eye on during the two-day event in Phoenix.

SNOWFLAKE

Looking for their sixth straight title, Snowflake currently owns the top mark in nine events heading into the state championships, which are set to be held at Shadow Mountain High School, 2902 E. Shea Blvd, Phoenix, on Friday and Saturday, May 8 and 9.

“We have really talented athletes who work hard and are dedicated to being their best,” Snowflake coach Alicia LaDuke said.

Athletes to watch include Ryder Hall in the high jump, long jump, triple jump, and hurdles. Hall, a senior, has the top time in the 110-meter hurdles with a 14.35 time while also owning a 6-foot, 9-inch leap in the high jump, and a 23-foot, 11-inch mark in the long jump. All are top marks so far this season.

Others to watch include Jacob LaDuke in the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 4x100- and 400-meter relays. Conover Pitts isn’t on to miss in the 300-meter hurdles event, and Cody Potter’s 167-foot, 9-inch javelin mark will be tough to beat this weekend.

LaDuke expects Valley Christian to compete with them for the Division IV title.

“[They] are always competitive,” LaDuke said. “It’s impressive that we have some of the top athletes in the entire state from our little community of 10,000 and are able to compete against schools who draw athletes from the entire Valley of millions. Many of these kids’ families have been here for several generations.”

VALLEY CHRISTIAN

Finishing runner up in the 2025 state championships with 78 points behind Snowflake’s 110, Valley Christian has three athletes to watch this weekend including Micah Newkirk, whose 1:52.20 800-meter time is still best in the state, and his 4:12.34 mark in the 1,600 is tops as well.

Don’t forget Finnley Roth in the pole vault and Caleb Goldman could make some noise in the 300-meter hurdles.

Coach David Mehlhorn said he has a “great group of kids” that are led by some outstanding seniors.

“We have leaders that have really embraced track and are committed to being great,” Mehlhorn said.

PAGE

Always in the mix for a Division IV title, Page has a mix of athletes looking to earn gold this weekend starting with Symond Martin.

The senior currently holds the top mark in the 3,200-meter with an 8:59.29 time. Coach Tim Martin said the distance runners on his team are ready to roll.

“For many years we have had distance runners training year-round to gain that strength Page is famous for, and it continues with the majority of our highest performers in the distance events,” Martin said.

Martin will be entered in the 1,600-meter, 800-meter and 4x800-meter relay.

Jaiden Jordan is worth a look in the 800-meter this year at state, and freshman Max Martin may raise some eyebrows too.

Symond Martin, Jordan, Desmond Goldtooth and Brydan Bennett own the top 4x800-meter mark this spring with an 8:16.17.

ALA-WEST FOOTHILLS

One other athlete to keep an eye on this weekend is ALA-West Foothills standout Reyden Stewart. The junior owns the top shot put (57-10) and discuss (163-3) marks this season.

Coach Phillip Ludlow said the credit for his team goes to the athletes themselves.

“Our top performers set goals, follow through, and show up and put in work both in and out of season,” Ludlow said.

OTHER NOTES

For more information on the boys Division IV State Track and Field Championships, or for links to live events on the NFHS Network, visit AzPreps365.com.

TOP MARKS ENTERING STATE: DIVISION IV BOYS

100 meters: Jr. Jacob LaDuke, Snowflake, 10.69

200 meters: Jr. Jacob LaDuke, Snowflake, 21.83

400 meters: Sr. Gionn Jones, Snowflake, 48.78

800 meters: Sr. Micah Newkirk, Valley Christian, 1:52.20

1,600 meters: Sr. Mich Newkirk, Valley Christian, 4:12.34

3,200 meters: Sr. Symond Martin, Page, 8:59.29

110-meter hurdles: Sr. Ryder Hall, Snowflake, 14.35

300-meter hurdles: Sr. Caleb Goldman, Valley Christian, 37.92

4x100 relay: Conover Pitts, Ryder Hall, Gionn Jones, Jacob LaDuke, Snowflake, 41.72

4x400 relay: Conover Pitts, Ryder Hall, Jacob LaDuke, Gionn Jones, Snowflake, 3:18.13

4x800 relay: Symond Martin, Jaiden Jordan, Desmond Goldtooth, Brydan Bennett, Page, 8:16.17

Shot put: Jr. Reyden Stewart, ALA-West Foothills, 57-10

Discuss: Jr. Reyden Stewart, ALA-West Foothills, 163-3

Javelin: Jr. Cody Potter, Snowflake, 167-9

High jump: Sr. Ryder Hall, Snowflake, 6-9

Pole vault: Sr. Finnley Roth, Valley Christian, 15-5

Long jump: Sr. Ryder Hall, Snowflake, 23-11

Triple jump: Sr. Ryder Hall, Snowflake, 48-11.5

Defending Team Champ: Snowflake

Brian M. Bergner Jr. has covered professional, collegiate and high school sports for more than 20 years. Follow him on X at @AzPreps365Brian or on Facebook at @Five2MediaWorks. Have a story idea? Email Brian at bbergner@azpreps365.com.