The Hive Sports

by James Tate

As Region 5 gears up for the 2026 track and field season, the spotlight shines brightly on the jumping and distance events, where a blend of elite talent and emerging contenders promises thrilling competition. From record-setting long jumpers to skilled high jumpers and pole vaulters, to a deep and strategic distance-running scene, the region is poised for a season defined by fierce rivalries and standout performances. Here’s a closer look at the athletes and storylines shaping the long jump, high jump, pole vault, and distance races this spring for Region 5.

Long jump

Region 5 enters the spring with a long jump field headlined by two of the best athletes in Utah. Bonneville senior Davis DeGroot returns as the state’s premier jumper and the Utah high school record holder after soaring 24’1.25″ at last year’s Region 5 championship meet/

In contrast, Northridge senior Makai So’o brings a 23’5.25″ personal best that places him among the top three returners statewide alongside Crimson Cliffs standout Eli Connelly. Their presence gives Region 5 a rare one‑two punch at the top, and every meet they both enter has the potential to produce state‑leading marks.

Clearfield senior Seiya Peatross adds another dependable scorer with his 20’8.25″ best, and he’s the type of athlete who can work his way into the top three.

The depth behind them adds even more intrigue to the event. Box Elder junior Josh Pugsley carries the athletic upside to make a midseason jump into contention. Bonneville senior Kamden Gleason provides steady production, while sophomore teammate Gavin Elmer is an emerging talent with room to rise quickly and deliver big points for Bonneville in meets.

Fremont sophomore Sam Rasmussen adds another promising underclassman to the mix. With elite talent at the top and a growing group of challengers behind them, the long jump is poised to be one of Region 5’s most impactful and competitive events.

High jump

The high jump in Region 5 gets an immediate shake‑up with the arrival of West Field senior Max Oliver, a newcomer to the region but already the clear favorite after clearing 6’6“ at last year’s 4A state championships, where he finished second overall. Oliver’s presence instantly raises the ceiling of the event.

Bonneville’s Davis DeGroot, better known for his sprinting and long jump prowess, brings a 6’3″ personal best that would have won the 5A state title last spring had he competed in the event. His versatility and raw athleticism make him a legitimate threat to challenge Oliver when he’s dialed in.

Clearfield junior Austin Nye adds another competitive layer with his 6’1″ personal best, giving the Falcons a reliable scorer and someone capable of climbing the standings when the top jumpers have an off day.

With Oliver setting the standard, DeGroot providing elite upside, and Nye offering steady production, the high jump shapes up as a compact but compelling event, one where a single clean round or well‑timed clearance could swing valuable points in the region race.

Pole vault

Clearfield and Box Elder enter the season with the strongest foothold in the pole vault, and much of that stability comes from the Falcons’ senior anchor Ben Anson. A 5A state third‑place finisher last spring after clearing 12’3″, Anson returns as the most proven vaulter in Region 5 and the early favorite to control the event week after week. His consistency at the higher bars gives Clearfield a reliable scoring foundation, and his experience in championship settings sets the competitive tone for the rest of the field.

Clearfield also brings depth with senior Seiya Peatross, whose 11’0″ personal best makes him one of the region’s steadier mid‑tier vaulters. Together, Anson and Peatross give the Falcons a dependable one‑two punch capable of stacking points in duals and invitationals.

Box Elder counters with a deeper group that may not have Anson’s top‑end mark but has the numbers to make every meet interesting. Junior Joshua Downs returns with an 11’0″ best, while senior Brody Jex adds experience and a 10’6″ clearance from last season.

The Bees also get an early‑season boost from junior Thomas Christensen, who has already cleared 10’6″ this spring and appears poised to climb higher as the weather warms and the competitive rhythm settles in.

With three athletes clustered tightly in the 10’6″–11’0″ range, Box Elder has the depth to pressure Clearfield in meets where clean attempts and tactical passes become decisive.

Distance events- 800m, 1600m, and 3200m

Region 5’s distance scene revolves around Northridge junior Jeff Hazard, who enters 2026 as one of the most complete and dangerous distance runners in Utah. With a breakout indoor season behind him and early‑season marks that already place him among the state’s elite, Hazard is positioned to anchor the Knights across all three distance events.

His range, from a sub‑1:58 800 to a 9:07 3200, gives Northridge a reliable point‑scoring engine, and his growing command of race strategy makes him the athlete everyone else must measure themselves against. Whether the pace turns tactical or fast from the gun, Hazard has shown he can dictate the rhythm and close with authority, setting the stage for a season that could redefine his standing in the classification.

The 800 meters undergo a major reset with Viewmont’s departure to Region 6, leaving the door wide open for new contenders. Fremont junior Beau Jenkins steps in as the top returner with a sharp 1:55.21, but Hazard (1:57.13) and Clearfield senior Scout Waldron (1:57.90) keep the front of the field tight.

Just behind them is a deep group of athletes on the cusp of breaking two minutes, including Box Elder seniors Parker Lattin (2:00.82), Jaron Miller (2:01.10), and Bryce Meacham (2:01.96), along with Clearfield senior Tate McMillan (2:00.97). With so many runners clustered together, the event is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in the region.

The 1600 meters continues to center on Hazard, whose 4:18.75 personal best and strong winter season make him the clear favorite. Lattin (4:20.52) and Jenkins (4:23.18) form the next tier, each capable of pushing the pace or capitalizing on a tactical race.

Fremont senior Graham Judkins enters with a 4:26.00 best, while Miller sits close behind at 4:26.90, giving both programs multiple scoring threats. With so many experienced runners in the 4:20–4:27 range, the middle laps of this race promise to be crowded and competitive.

In the 3200 meters, Hazard separates himself even further. His early‑season 9:07.38 not only qualifies him for state but would have won last year’s 5A title, underscoring just how far ahead he currently stands.

The chase pack mirrors the 1600, led by Fremont’s Judkins (9:28.18), Box Elder’s Lattin (9:29.02), and Miller (9:31.03), with Fremont’s Zach Steoger (9:34.73) adding another strong presence. Together, they form a competitive cluster capable of pushing each other to major drops, even if Hazard remains the clear benchmark.

All times and marks courtesy of athletic.net and sporttrax.com

photos courtesy of James Tate