News & Notes: Ajak Malual Clears 6-6, Sets IA #1

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Boys Outdoor Rankings

Girls Outdoor Rankings

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The outdoor track & field season is in full swing and we are wrapping up our third week of the year in the Hawkeye State. While it was a slower week in Iowa, let's take a look at the best performances from around the state and see which of the state's athletes are shining the brightest.

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Iowa Meet Calendar

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Sprint Events - Top Performers

Amelio Pantoja, Pleasant Valley - Though not a typically contested event in the Hawkeye State, the senior set a state lead in the 300m hurdles with a runner-up finish at the Gene Shipley Relays. After narrowly missing the state meet last season, he's off to a strong start in 2026 and will be looking to qualify for the biggest meet of the year in the two hurdle events in May.

Keenan Kilburg, Bellevue - The senior is now Iowa's top 400m hurdler early this season, running 54.21 to win the Fearing Relays and claim an IA #1 mark. The performance marks a three-second improvement from last year as he emerges as a serious contender to win his first state title this spring.

Abigail Cave, Marion - The senior enjoyed a strong day at the No Mercy Showdown, winning both the 100m and 200m dashes. She finished 4th at the IATC Championships this winter and continues to build momentum as one of Iowa's rising sprinters this season.

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Field Events - Top Performers

Ajak Malual, Waukee - He is in command of the top spot in Iowa in the high jump, clearing 6-6 at the NHS Coed to earn his second win of the season. A state finalist from a year ago looks poised to build off his sixth-place finish and contend for a podium spot this spring.

Abby Mecklenburg, Linn-Mar - The senior continues her dominance after a historic 2025 campaign where she set the state record last year in the long jump, clearing 20-8.25 and becoming the first girl in Iowa history to break the 20-foot barrier. She remains the athlete to beat in the event and will enter the final month of the season as a favorite to win another state title.

Rachel Haack, Iowa City - She had a strong double at the Jesse Day Relays, winning both the shot put (42-7) and discus (126-1). The senior is undefeated in the shot put this season and currently ranks 3rd in the state and is among the top 100 nationally.

Hannah Schroeder, North Fayette Valley - She has been dominant in the throws this season, picking up two wins at the Pottsville Blossom Relays with marks of 38-9.5 (shot put) and 129-4 (discus). She remains undefeated in both events, establishing herself as one of Iowa's top throwers early this season.

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Distance Events - Top Performers