The 2026 KSHSAA State Track & Field Championships produced an incredible 39 state meet records, not including wheelchair events.
From sprint records by Maria Portela, Rylee Meyer and Ashley Lehman to field event performances by William Bishop, Jack Herd and Bronwyn Lewis, athletes across Kansas delivered one of the most historic state meets in recent memory.
Special thanks to Carol Swenson for compiling the records and our performance lists this season exclusively for Sports in Kansas.
Which performance impressed you the most?
#sportsinkansas
South Central four-sport star Jack Herd wrapping up standout career with huge spring | Western Kansas Boys Track and Field Standouts
#KSHSAACovered x @CapFed
https://t.co/N0T9GAnkin
2026 Sports in Kansas 🏀 Defensive Player of the Year
Jack Herd, South Central (1A-D1)
One of the most dominant two-way players in Kansas.
19.0 PPG
8.0 RPG
4.0 SPG
3.0 APG
2.0 BPG
Herd impacted every possession. Tough, physical, and versatile, he guarded multiple positions, created turnovers, protected the rim, and completely disrupted offenses.
A three-sport All-State athlete, Herd was also the 2026 Sports in Kansas 8M-I Defensive Player of the Year in football, leading the Timberwolves to a state championship. He followed that with a 1A-D1 state runner-up finish in basketball.
“We built something real this season through adversity, hard work, and staying together. This group proved so much and I couldn’t be prouder. It wasn’t about wins and losses, it was about the brotherhood and memories we created.”
Career at South Central:
1,387 points
654 rebounds
287 assists
271 steals
93 blocks
And it doesn’t stop.
Recently featured by Sports in Kansas in track and field, Herd is looking to repeat as a state champion in the javelin with a goal of 205 feet this season. The crazy part, he’s only been throwing for around 13 months.
Complete athlete. Competitor. Winner.
Next stop: Friends University (football and track)
#sportsinkansas
2026 Sports in Kansas Boys🏀 Defensive Player of the Year (All-Classes)
Sam Simmons Jr., Olathe North Sr.
Cam Love, Olathe North Sr.
Leo Schoenberger, Baldwin Sr.
Jack Herd, South Central Sr.
Dayne Johnson, Silver Lake Sr. (Not pictured)
Five of the top defenders in Kansas, representing all levels of the state while showcasing elite defensive impact regardless of class.
The Defensive Player of the Year selections are not done strictly by classification. Instead, we select five players statewide as part of our All-Classes Defensive Team.
Our process/criteria/guidelines guarantees representation across the state:
• At least one player has to be from large schools (6A/5A)
• At least one player has to be from mid-sized schools (4A/3A)
• At least one player has to be from small schools (2A/1A-I/1A-II)
The remaining selections are awarded to the best overall defensive players in Kansas, regardless of class.
This allows us to recognize elite defensive impact at every level of the state while still honoring the very best players, no matter where they play.
Full bios and interviews to follow tonight and tomorrow.
#sportsinkansas
Left to right: Schoenberger, Herd, Simmons, Love
Great moment to see all five SPIAA boys starting for the East (Black) team lead by Coach Bud Valerius from South Central at the Central Kansas All-Star Game!! Sawyer Campbell, Jack Herd, Sam Lynn, Ian Melendez & Gavin Wahl.