Readiness Measures:

High school meets are usually filled with adrenaline, competition, and the occasional sweet victory. But for senior Soren Shinofield, the Class 5A state championship was about more than just the title. It was all about that chicken sandwich, dang it!

After nailing a throw of 56 feet, 3.5 inches in the shot put, Soren found himself in an exciting position. This throw was on par with his best performance of the day, but fell short of his ultimate goal—the elusive 58-foot mark that would have won him a feast of tasty Chick-fil-A, courtesy of his coach[1].

"I was gettin' kinda nervous with those warmups at 50 feet," Soren said with a laugh[2]. "But after that first 56, I just calmed down and started throwin' consistently."

Fortunately for Soren, chicken sandwich dreams aside, his outstanding performance earned him his first state championship in shot put and the second championship of the year. He had already snagged a Class 5A state title in football[4].

Soren's athletic prowess is truly a force to be reckoned with. At 6-6 and 285 pounds, he's committed to play offensive line for Utah next year[3]. Although football has always been his future, Soren discovered his love for shot put on a whim as a sophomore[2]. Fast forward two years, and he's a state champion.

"It was sorta as a joke with my friends," Soren said. "But my coaches have been awesome, and I grew to love it[3]."

Soren's journey to the top hasn't always been a smooth road. He dealt with some disappointment in the past, finishing sixth at state last year with a throw more than five feet shy of his personal record[2]. This time around, he started strong and grabbed the title with his first throw. Camden Bruns, a senior from Rampart, was the closest competitor at 54-5[2].

Staying grounded in the ring was the key to Soren's success this year[1]. He focused hard on that aspect during spring training, and it paid off—getting closer to his PR of 58 feet and securing the victory[1].

Soren is just one of many athletic powerhouses to emerge from the labyrinth that is Cherry Creek High School. Three of his linemates signed with FBS programs last year, and he'll join them at that level in the fall[3].

"I chose Utah because I loved the coaches there. They were amazing[3]," Soren said. "Also, it's a beautiful campus. It was the best overall school for me after I took my visits."

As for shot put, Soren thinks that will probably be the last time he'll ever throw a shot put—unless collegiate competition calls his name[4]. But who knows, maybe he'll change his mind and take a bit more spin around the ring in college with football.

Jayden Nohr: Overcoming Injury, Winning Again

For many athletes, the path to success is a roller coaster of hard work, persistence, and the occasional setback. That's definitely true for high jumper Jayden Nohr, who won the Class 4A title with a jump of 23 feet, 2.5 inches[2].

His journey to the top was a long one, with a reminder of his past struggles in the form of a long-sleeved leg. In 2022, Nohr took home the 3A state title as a freshman at Berthoud High School[6]. Things didn't go as smoothly in 2023, when he transferred to Roosevelt and finished second in the 4A final to Miller Jones[6].

Nohr's issues truly began at the state meet last year, where he sustained a hamstring injury during the 4×100 relay[6]. The injury forced him to sit out the long jump event. This season, his hamstring troubles returned[5], but he found a way to overcome them and take home the title.

"I had two meets before this where I got to jump and stayed healthy," Nohr said. "I feel just lucky and blessed that I was able to jump today[5]."

Nohr will be heading to the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs to continue his high jumping career[5]. This victory marks his second state title at multiple classifications, but the end of an era.

"It's a bittersweet feeling," Nohr said. "I'm super grateful that I was able to jump and to win, but on the other hand, it's kind of disappointing that high school is over now. It was a great way to go out, though[5]."

Bradie Menegatti: Gold, Glory, and a Redemption Story

High jump eat your heart out—Bradie Menegatti is back and determined to make her mark[4]. After an ankle injury sidelined her for the last six weeks, Menegatti, a senior at Pueblo West High School[4], claimed the Class 5A high jump title with a leap of 5 feet, 6 inches[4].

The injured ankle has haunted Menegatti for quite some time. It first affected her towards the end of the 2023 season when she finished second in the event[7]. The following year, she placed third[7], and as a junior, she narrowly missed out on the title[7].

But the stubborn senior refused to give in to defeat. She cut down her approach to only five steps, limiting the impact on her injured ankle[7]. This adjustment paid off, as she overcame her injury to take home the crown[7]. The victory marked her third state title, her first in Class 5A, and an opportunity to prove her doubters wrong[7].

"I was just trying to enjoy my last high school meet," Menegatti said. "I wanted to have fun and live in the moment[7]."

Menegatti will compete in the long jump tomorrow and then make the journey to Texas A&M to compete as a heptathlete[7]. She's ready to tackle the challenges ahead and continue her journey towards athletic greatness.

Mountain Vista's Epic 4×800 Relay

Mountain Vista High School knew they had a formidable 4×800 relay team this season. So it came as no surprise when they entered the Class 5A meet as the heavy favorite[8]. But temper the excitement, because this race was destined for an unexpected twist.

The final exchanged between Ayuub Hassan of Northfield and Benjamin Anderson of Mountain Vista was a breathtaking spectacle[8]. Each competitor gave it their all, trading the lead multiple times over the final lap[8]. In the end, Hassan pulled away to secure a dramatic victory for Northfield, with Mountain Vista finishing a mere tenth of a second behind[8].

"We absolutely felt like underdogs in that race," Hassan said. "But when everyone was doubting, we showed up and wanted it. We had something to prove out there today[8]."

The excitement didn't stop there. Anderson dove across the finish line and ended up with several track burns on his shoulders[8]. It was a testament to the fierce determination of both teams.

Payton Becker: Hurdles Master and Motivated Revolutionist

For senior Payton Becker of Ponderosa High School, the Class 5A meet is more than just a showcase of athletic prowess. It's a platform for showcasing her skills in both the 100-meter and 300-meter hurdles[8].

Payton only started hurdling last season, but she's quickly become a force to be reckoned with[8]. She's currently the Class 5A favorite in the 300-meter hurdles and competed with an impressive time of 14.00 in the 100-meter preliminaries[8].

Her runner-up finish in the 300-meter hurdles last year gnawed at her[8]. When she felt some friendships waning because of her dedication to track, it fueled her even more.

"I still feel pressure, but I feel like that's good," Becker said. "That pushes me not to slack off. I know just because I ran a fast time the last meet, that doesn't guarantee anything for this meet. I go hard every single time[8]."

Payton's unwavering determination and competitive spirit make her an athlete to watch in the upcoming Class 5A finals. She's ready to seize the opportunity to prove the doubters wrong and walk away with a championship or two.

[1] https://www.coloradoan.com/story/sports/high-school/track-field/2023/05/25/colorado-high-school-track-2023-meet-updates-livestream-results-coverage/71392494007/[2] https://www.denverpost.com/2022/05/27/cherry-creek-senior-soren-shinofield-has-a-little-more-motivation-for-the-final-throw-of-his-high-school-shot-put-career/[3] https://www.denverpost.com/2024/05/25/cherry-creek-senior-soren-shinofield-wins-shot-put-title-teams-favored-to-repeat-class-5a-track-field-state-championship/[4] https://www.denverpost.com/2025/05/25/high-school-sports-live-updates-5a-track-and-field-state-championships-running-jumping-pole-vaulting-long-distance-thursday-friday/[5] https://www.denverpost.com/2022/05/25/royal-jayden-nohr-wins-state-title-in-long-jump-injury-comeback/[6] https://www.denverpost.com/2023/05/25/royal-jayden-nohr-wins-state-long-jump-title-two-time-state-champion-transfer-roosevelt/[7] https://www.denverpost.com/2024/05/25/pueblo-west-senior-bradie-menegatti-wins-class-5a-high-jump-title-after-overcoming-injury/[8] https://www.denverpost.com/2023/05/25/high-school-sports-live-updates-5a-track-and-field-state-championships-running-jumping-pole-vaulting-long-distance-thursday-friday/

Soren Shinofield, despite the excitement of the state championship, had his sights set on a different prize—a meal from Chick-fil-A, offered by his coach.
Jayden Nohr, despite injuries and setbacks, managed to win the Class 4A title in high jump, securing his second state title at multiple classifications.
Bradie Menegatti, after several disappointing finishes due to an ankle injury, won the Class 5A high jump title, improving her standing and proving her doubters wrong.
Payton Becker, a Ponderosa High School senior, aims to make a mark in both the 100-meter and 300-meter hurdles, driven by pressure and a desire to prove herself as a championship contender.