Shawnee Heights' Esquibel wins 3,200 KSHSAA state title, Seaman's Miller earns runner-up

WICHITA, Kan. — Before each race, Shawnee Heights’ Jackson Esquibel does a little hop. His knee flies into the air and it signifies that he is ready to race.

He started this tradition in middle school and it has carried off into his illustrious high school career.

“In seventh grade, my coach told me to have fun out there during my first cross country season,” the senior said. “At the mile mark, I thought it would funny to go like, ‘Super Mario!’ and ever since then it shows that I am ready to have fun.”

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Esquibel had the most fun on Friday morning during the 3,200-meter run of the Class 5A State Championship in Wichita. The future Kansas State Wildcat flew by field to claim the title in 9:21.31.

Throughout the race, competitors came to Esquibel’s shoulder and tried to compete with him. No one succeeded, especially in the final 800 meters where he expanded his lead and left the competition behind.

“If someone wants to beat me, they have got to beat my best,” Esquibel said. “That is one thing that I find about this sport to be true, everything is earned, nothing is given.”

This marks back-to-back state titles in this event for Esquibel. He also won the Class 5A State Championship in cross country last fall.

“Today, knowing that the pace went out a little slower than 4:40, I was pretty happy with the effort,” Esquibel said. “Down the home stretch, gave a little smile. It was nice.”

Esquibel’s weekend is not over. He will also be competing in Saturday’s 1,600-meter run.

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Seaman's Ryin Miller finishes runner-up in 3,200-meter run

It was the toughest competitor that Ryin Miller has faced this season. Salina Central’s Katelyn Rupe and Miller duked it out in the Class 5A 3200-meter championship race.

Miller led for the first 2,400 meters with Rupe sitting right on her hip. With two laps remaining, Rupe turned her legs over quickly and created a large gap between her and Miller. The Seaman sophomore tried to respond, but Rupe kept her pace high to the finish line.

This was the second consecutive title for Rupe as she ended with a 10:18.09. The senior will compete for North Carolina next season. Miller settled for second place with a time of 10:34.48.

The Seaman sophomore will compete in Saturday’s 800- and 1,600-meter runs, too.

Liam Keating covers high school sports for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@gannett.com.