Judkins Soars to Second Place

Kingston Judkins at University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2026.

Kingston Judkins can now say he's one of the best leapers in the state. The WCMS standout went toe-to-toe with the elite high jumpers in Tennessee on Monday, surging near the top of the podium as he placed second in the TMSAA state event.

Judkins, a multi-sport star, cleared a height of 5-foot-8 in the competition, with his ability to clear it on the first try breaking a four-way tie for the second-best leap. Ridgeway's Chris Carroll was able to clear 5-foot-10 for the title, while Rynton Smith (Colonial Middle School), Mal Groce (Cleveland), and Judah Schuetz (Hunter Middle School) were all able to match Judkins' height, but in more tries.

Monday's meet, held in Knoxville, capped an impressive run for Judkins and the Pioneers in track this season. WCMS won its fifth consecutive CTC championship and sent multiple athletes to the University of Tennessee for the state meet.

Judkins qualified as a solo athlete in the high jump, but also joined his 4x100 teammates later in the afternoon for a relay race. Despite turning in one of their best performances of the season, the Pioneers were unable to reach the podium, finishing ninth in 46.97 seconds.

The group running the 4x100 included Judkins, Hutsen Morris, James Mietling, and Royce Morrison.

Oakland blazed a time of 44.94 seconds to win relay gold, while John Sevier Middle School (45.41) and Elmore Park (45.70) were close behind.