Andale junior Jeff Ast’s goal for the state track and field meet shifted dramatically over a two-week span in April.

At his first meet on April 2, Ast threw the javelin 226 feet, 2 inches, which still ranks as the nation’s best throw and is third in Kansas history.

On April 15, Ast competed at the Kansas Relays and tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. Ast, who is scheduled to have elbow ligament (Tommy John) surgery next month, finished third at regionals, throwing 190 feet.

Read more