COLUMBUS — Liam Kuhn’s historic high school career ended where it began — on the state podium.
Kuhn finished a career-best third in the pole vault during the final day of the Division IV state meet inside Ohio State’s Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium on Friday.
Kuhn was a four-time state placer, following a sixth-place finish as a freshman with back-to-back fourth-places finishes.
“Making it back for a fourth year feels awesome,” Kuhn said after clearing 15-feet. “My season didn’t go how I wanted it to, but making it back to state is a great opportunity.”
Kuhn battled a hamstring injury throughout the season.
“I haven’t jumped much all year because of my hamstring,” he said. “I really haven’t been able to practice.
“I came in the season with high hopes — getting 16 (feet), breaking the school record and pushing for a state title — but I got unlucky with a nagging injury. It happens.”
Double-Duty
Crestview’s Max Durbin posted a pair of podium finishes in the hurdling events.
Durbin took fourth in the 110s in 14.70 and seventh in the 300s in 40.54. He struggled in the 110s in Thursday’s prelims and ran out of Lane 9 in the finals.
“I ran one of my worst races all year (in the prelims),” Durbin said. “Luckily, I still made the finals.”
High-Flyer
Hillsdale’s Hayden McFadden capped a remarkable high school career with a fifth-place finish in the 200.
One of the school’s most accomplished athletes, McFadden finished in 22.76.
McFadden played in two state championship football games and is the program’s career leader in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches.
He was a member of Hillsdale’s Final Four basketball team and qualified for the state track meet each of the past two seasons.
“It’s hard to believe,” McFadden said. “These last three years have gone by so fast.
“I’m thankful for every moment.”
McFadden placed sixth in Thursday’s long jump competition. He reached the finals in the 200 for a second straight year after finishing ninth in 2025.
“It’s crazy to think my sports career is over,” McFadden said. “It’s been fun, but I’m excited to move on to my next step in life.”
