By JASON GORDON

Hays junior Chaney Turney won a silver medal for Pole Vaulting in Austin Friday. (Photo by Cyndy Slovak-Barton)

Things couldn’t have gone worse for Hays’ Chaney Turney at the UIL class 4A state track and field meet last year.

After having aspirations of standing on the state medal stand, Turney finished last in the eight-person field.

Turney got her revenge at state meet this year, finishing second and winning the silver medal on Friday at Myers Stadium in Austin despite a four-hour lightning delay that pushed back all of the events at the meet.

Turney cleared 11-feet, 6-inches, to finish second to Edcouch-Elsa’s April Benavides, who cleared 12-feet.

Turney, a junior, had a chance to go for the gold, but just missed tying Benavides’ state-winning mark.

“I obviously feel much, much better about this year’s result at state,” Turney said. “Erasing what happened last year was really important. We were delayed for what seemed like forever and ever, and I was glad I was able to overcome that and perform well. I’m a little disappointed I didn’t clear 12-feet because I did it in practice Wednesday, but the girl who won gold is a senior so next year should be fun. A gold medal will definitely be a major goal next year.”

Hays senior Jonathan Johnson, who finished third at last year’s state meet in the pole vault, finished fourth on Friday, just missing out on a medal.

Johnson cleared 14-feet, 6-inches, tying third-place finisher Josh Sigmon, of Joshua High School. Johnson finished in fourth place because he had one more miss than Sigmon in the event.

Hallsville High School’s Marques Hicks won the Class 4A pole vault gold by clearing 15-feet.

Love Star Pole Vaulting owner Kris Allison, the private coach for both Turney and Johnson, was proud of both Rebel vaulters.

“I think last year at state was a brand new experience for Chaney,” Allison said. “This year she came in with a lot more confidence. I know she’s a little disappointed she didn’t clear 12-feet, but to win silver as a junior is quite an accomplishment. We have a whole year to work and try and get better to go for the gold during her senior season.”

Turney had two solid attempts to clear 12-feet, but came up just short as the vaulters had to run into a headwind.

“Just as the bar was moved to 12-feet for Chaney, the wind started blowing pretty strong from the north,” Allison said. “I think if it hadn’t been for that headwind, she would have cleared 12-feet easily.”

Hays track coach Chris Smith said the Rebels were definitely well represented by both Turney and Johnson.

“Chaney did an amazing job of competing,’ Smith said. “She is a tremendous young lady. Jon went into the competition to win and was disappointed to miss the medal stand, but he accomplished so much for our pole vaulting program. He will be missed.”