Price captures fourth all-state medal

Smith-Cotton’s Blake Price didn’t achieve the ultimate goal of winning a state championship.

However, he became the only discus thrower in the Class of 2009 to make all-state four times — finish in the top eight — in the Class 4 state meet.

“I wanted to finish in the top three,” Price said, “but being all-state all four years was a big deal.”

Price threw 162 feet, 11 inches Friday to finish seventh in the state championships in Jefferson City.

While the throw came up well short of his school-record 174-9, his heave was consistent with his other performances this season.

“He’s been consistently in the 162 to 165 range,” S-C coach Brad Hagedorn said. “You can’t complain being a four-time all-stater.”

Price placed sixth (152-5) as a junior, fourth (150-5) as a sophomore and eighth (146-2) as a freshman.

Price was still disappointed.

“I didn’t throw too great,” Price said. “I’ve been pretty consistent, but I was hoping for a bigger throw than that.”

Alex McDonald, of Wentzville Timberland, won with 190-2.

Eleven of this year’s 15 throwers were seniors, and most of them have been competing against each other since they were freshmen.

The competition this season was fierce, according to Hagedorn.

“Blake finished eighth with (146-2) as a freshman. That wouldn’t have made the finals this year.”

Price will join McDonald and third-place Brooks Mosier at the University of Missouri next season.

“Those guys really stepped up the last couple of weeks,” Price said of his future teammates.

Sharaden Staten qualified for the 110-meter hurdles finals.

He finished in 14.84 seconds, eighth-best in the preliminary rounds.

Staten, who has qualified for state in the 110 hurdles the past two seasons, reached the finals for the first time, according to Hagedorn.

Solomon Williams, of Waynesville, posted the preliminary round’s best time of  14.25.

Staten will compete in the finals at 11 a.m. today.

He will compete for the high jump championship at 2 p.m. today.