State Track Weather Doesn’t Keep Martensen From Making All-State

RoMoAthletics
Jun 3
5 min read

Sr. Cameron Martensen goes All-State at both the 3200m and 1600m events this past weekend.

May 30th, 2026

The State Track Meet held at Jefferson City High School’s Adkins Stadium on May 29th and 30th had a cloud hanging over it. Literal storm clouds as the weather forecast called for periods of thunderstorms throughout the day.

Mother Nature did not break her promise as storms came rolling in and passed through to come rolling in again. Multiple delays, stadium evacuations, and soaked athletes, fans and staff led to the eventual postponing of Friday’s events into a condensed format for Saturday.

While the weather may have dampened the spirits of the large crowd gathered to support their athletes, as usual the kids proved to be resilient. Coach Sneed said his squad of 7 Bulldogs took it in stride. “The weather definitely made things interesting. Everyone was drenched Friday, but kids were still having fun, sliding & bellyflopping in the water around tent city.”

Less Than Ideal Conditions

Friday morning kicked off with a weather delay before things even got started. Lady Bulldog freshman pole vaulter Grace Fontenot was scheduled to kick things off Friday morning only to have the event delayed. She was able to get a couple of jumps in before having to seek shelter.

The impact of pushing back the remaining events until the next day is that the relay events that would normally consist of qualifying heats and then a final heat the following day, were now in a format of two heats only with the top times making it to the podium with no finals heat.

It also resulted in the distance runs now being on the same day instead of on two different days for a period of rest.

Cameron Martensen Gets to the Podium…. Twice!

The restructuring of the events put the 3200m run at the start of the day for Saturday. For senior Cameron Martensen, this was his 4th trip to the State Meet and he was still hunting his first podium visit.

Martensen, who is the RHS Record Holder for both the 3200m and 1600m events, became an All-State Cross Country runner in the fall, but the podium in Jefferson City has eluded him over the years, but he felt confident. “This is the first time I feel good for the state meet. Normally I’m super burned out by this time of year but I feel good,” said Martensen.

It was a loaded field for the 3200m event with Martensen comfortably in the mix to reach the podium based upon season performances, but the entire field was in the same position. A wet track could prove to be the equalizer that could make this anyone’s day.

Martensen did not let this opportunity slip and ran his way to the podium while breaking his own school record to place 4th at state. Jackson Miller of SLUH set the Class 5 3200m State record with a time of 8:53.49 to win the event.

Martensen gets to the podium in the 1600m.

More rain delays pushed back events - including giving Martensen some additional rest after such a fast past long distance run. From Coach Sneed’s perspective, this delay was a blessing. “Saturday actually worked out in our favor, as Cameron was able to get some extra rest before the 1600. If that didn’t happen, I’m not sure he would have been able to make the podium.”

Cameron's second trip to the podium almost didn’t happen. He spent the first three laps in 15th place with his legs feeling heavy and unable to keep his typical pace. As he entered the final lap, Martensen dug deep as he was not going to let this opportunity slip through his fingers.

In a scene straight out of a movie, Martensen hit another gear and adjusted his stride. Methodically, he focused on what was in front of him and made his move.

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The final push by Cameron to move up 8 places on the last lap!

14th…13th…12th… and he didn’t stop.

11th…10th… Martensen kept passing the other runners, passing a total of 8 in the last lap to make his way to the podium for the second time in the day running a sub-1 min final lap.

“Couldn’t be happier for Cameron. The field was moving so quick, that he couldn’t gain positioning throughout the race. That final lap was pure guts, giving everything he had. This will definitely be a story I’ll tell for years to come!”

While initially it appeared the Martensen would finish in 7th place, the runner who came across first, Miller from SLUH who won the 3200m, was disqualified, so all athletes moved forward giving Martensen a 6th place finish.

Experiencing the State Meet

7 Bulldog Athletes made it to State. For 6 of them it was their first time. This will be a memory that all will remember.

The Boys Relay team of junior Jay Loos and sophomores Bennett Duehning, Cruz Wilkins, and Aaron Stallworth competed in both the 4x200m and 4x400m events. The Bulldogs ran well but came up one shy of the podium in the 4x200 event. It was again a fast field with the winning team from Lee’s Summit West breaking the State Record.

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Grace Fontenot in a qualifying vault.

While freshman pole vaulter Grace Fontenot was not able to place at the meet, she made her mark on the program in her first year.

Fontenot finishes her first varsity campaign as a District and Sectional Champ and the holder of the RHS Freshmen pole vault record. “I loved the opportunity to be at the state track meet. It was awesome getting to watch everyone compete at that level, even if the weather didn’t cooperate! I can’t wait to be there again next year!” said Grace.

Senior Tyeson Elliott made his first trip to the State Meet. While coming up short it was an experience he won’t forget and will be continuing his track career at the next level. A decision should be coming shortly. “I felt blessed to be there. It was cool that I made it and it was fun competing with the best of the best,” said Tyeson

Sophomore Cruz Wilkins participated in three events in his first trip to the State Meet as both a member of the RHS Record relay team and as an individual in the 400m. Wilkins reflected on the experience. “So many people and the energy of the state meet was a surreal experience. All different types of pressures and one of the hardest places to get to in high school track. Next year we are coming back to place!”

“Very proud of our kids with how they handled themselves. They definitely gained a lot of experience for next year,” said Sneed.

Of the 7 athletes who qualified for this year’s meet, 5 of them were underclassmen. Of those who qualified for sectional, 14 of the 18 were underclassmen. That provides a strong core of returners, who now have experience at the Sectional and State levels to lead the Bulldogs in what will prove to be an exciting 2027 season.