The Jefferson R-VII Board of Education recognized members of the Jefferson High School track and field and baseball programs during its July 15, 2026, Board of Education meeting, celebrating an extraordinary year of athletic achievement. Student-athletes and coaches were honored for outstanding individual accomplishments, including All-Conference, All-District, and All-State selections, school and state records, and Coach of the Year honors. The Board also recognized the remarkable success of both programs, highlighted by conference, district, sectional, and state championships that showcased the dedication, talent, and commitment of Jefferson's student-athletes and coaching staffs throughout the 2025-26 school year.
Jefferson R-VII Board of Education Recognizes Outstanding Track & Field Accomplishments
The Jefferson R-VII Board of Education recognized members of the Jefferson High School boys and girls track and field programs during its July 15, 2026, Board of Education meeting, celebrating an unforgettable season highlighted by conference championships, district titles, state championships, school records, and individual honors.
The Blue Jays' track and field program enjoyed one of the most successful seasons in school history. The boys team captured both the District Championship and the MSHSAA Class 2 State Championship, while the girls team finished as District Runner-Up. The season also featured numerous individual state champions, All-State performances, and new school records.
Among the honorees was Zoie Bradley, who earned All-Conference honors in the 100-meter, 200-meter, 400-meter, and 4x400-meter relay. She was also named All-District in the 100, 200, 400, and 4x400, earned All-State recognition in the 100 and 200, was selected to the Dream Team, and set new school records in both the 100-meter dash (12.01) and 200-meter dash (24.86).
Lucas Bradbrook was recognized for earning All-District honors as a member of the 4x200-meter relay team.
Ethan McVey was honored for an outstanding distance season, earning All-Conference recognition in the 4x400 and 4x800 relays and All-District honors in the 800, 1,600, 4x400, and 4x800. McVey earned All-State honors in the 1,600-meter run and helped lead the Blue Jays to state championships in both the 4x400 and 4x800 relays while helping set a new school record in the 4x800 relay with a time of 8:10.32.
Braeden Caldwell received All-Conference honors in the 400, 800, and 4x400 relay while earning All-District recognition in the 800, 4x400, and 4x800. He was an All-State performer in the 800-meter run and a state champion in both relay events while also contributing to the school-record 4x800 relay.
Darius Lemons earned All-Conference honors in the 4x800 relay, All-District honors in the 4x400 and 4x800 relays, and was a member of the state championship teams in both events. He also helped establish the new school record in the 4x800 relay.
One of the state's premier sprinters, Matthew Waltman, earned All-Conference honors in the 100, 200, 400, and 4x400 relay and All-District honors in those same events. Waltman claimed individual state championships in the 200-meter and 400-meter dashes and helped the Blue Jays win the state title in the 4x400 relay. He also earned All-State honors in the 100-meter dash, was named to the Dream Team, set a new Class 2 state record and school record in the 400-meter dash (48.03), and established a new school record in the 200-meter dash (21.54).
Troy Edwards was recognized for an exceptional throwing season, earning All-Conference honors in both the shot put and discus, All-District honors in both events, and All-State recognition in each. Edwards also broke school records in the shot put with a throw of 16.28 meters and the discus with a mark of 53.51 meters.
Bryant Horn earned All-Conference honors in the 4x800 relay, All-District honors in the 4x800 relay and 3,200-meter run, and was a member of the state championship 4x800 relay team that established the new school record of 8:10.32.
The Board also recognized the leadership of the Blue Jays coaching staff. Head Coach Paul Lipp was honored after being named the JCAA Coach of the Year for leading the boys team to district and state championships. Assistant Coach Becky Alden was also recognized for her contributions to the program's outstanding season.
Jefferson R-VII Board of Education Recognizes Baseball Team for Historic 2026 Season
During the July 15, 2026, Jefferson R-VII Board of Education meeting, members of the Jefferson High School baseball program were recognized for an outstanding 2026 season that included conference and district championships, a sectional victory, and numerous postseason honors.
The Blue Jays put together one of the program's most successful seasons, capturing the JCAA Conference Championship, District Championship, and Sectional Championship while earning recognition across the conference and district for their individual performances.
Several Blue Jays received postseason honors for their exceptional play throughout the season.
Jack Klump was named First Team All-District and First Team All-Conference, while Parker Taylor also earned First Team All-District and First Team All-Conference honors.
Matt Wood was recognized as a First Team All-District and First Team All-Conference selection. Bo Davis likewise earned First Team All-District and First Team All-Conference honors following an impressive season.
Evan Botkin received First Team All-District recognition and was selected to the Second Team All-Conference. Sam Cook earned First Team All-District honors while also receiving Honorable Mention All-Conference recognition.
Landon Taylor was named First Team All-District and Second Team All-Conference, while Bryce Rogers earned Second Team All-District honors. Blake Hampton was recognized as a Second Team All-District and Second Team All-Conference selection.
The Board also recognized the contributions of team members Quinn Boyer, Oliver Klump, Rowen Boyer, Rhett Kerley, Michael Budt, Bryant Hampton, Wyatt Schrage, and Bryson Riehn, whose dedication and teamwork helped the Blue Jays achieve one of the finest seasons in program history.
Head Coach Robert Kuehnle was honored after being named the JCAA Coach of the Year, recognizing his leadership in guiding the Blue Jays to conference, district, and sectional championships.
The Jefferson R-VII School District congratulates Coach Kuehnle, the coaching staff, and all members of the Blue Jays baseball team on an outstanding season. Their commitment, perseverance, and teamwork have made the school and community proud while continuing the tradition of excellence in Jefferson baseball.
The Jefferson R-VII School District congratulates all of these student-athletes and coaches on an extraordinary season. Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence have brought tremendous pride to Jefferson High School and the entire Blue Jay community.