In a loaded group of distance runners in Division 5A, Mountain Home High School's Ky Bickford has still found ways to stand out over his four-year career.
From his state championship in the 1600m last spring to the three new personal best times he has run over the past two weeks, Bickford has been one of the top distance runners in the state of Arkansas over the last 12 months.
After his two victories in the 800m and 3200m races last week at the Sr. Bomber Relays, not only has Bickford put on a show of elite range, but he is this week's Arkansas Milesplit' "Distance Runner of the Week."
At last Wednesday's event, Bickford dominated in the 800m race, running to a 10-second victory and setting a massive personal best by over a second. The senior clocked a brisk 1:55.18 at his home track, en route to his 3rd victory in the 800m of the season. Bickford's time ranks him 4th in the 800m distance in Arkansas and 3rd in Division 5A.
The Bomber's distance star continued to put on a show one last time at his home meet.
After winning the 800m, the senior won the 3200m event, running a 9:57.99. Two weeks prior, Bickford ran a personal best of 9:52.51 in the event and is ranked 4th in Division 5A.
"The races went well. I had to solo them so once I have some competition on the line, I definitely have something faster," Bickford said when I asked him about his two races at the Bomber Relays.
Entering the postseason, Bickford is also ranked third in Division 5A in the 1600m, which is the event the senior will hope to defend his state championship in this spring.
I also asked Bickford about some of his goals for the remainder of the season. In response, Bickford said, "I wanna win some individual stuff at state and even maybe a team state championship. We are competing at a very high level right now and it's not out of reach!"
Bickford also expressed his excitement about his plans for next season as the Mountain Home superstar will be headed to Conway, Arkansas, and join the University of Central Arkansas distance squad. "Oh man, when I went to UCA it just felt like home. Coach Weaver was so welcoming and so were the UCA runners."
With the Arkansas state championship meet on the horizon, Bickford has positioned himself as a top contender in the 800m and 1600m distance races and a legitimate threat to add another state championship to his resume, while potentially looking at the possibility of running two races and completing the elusive 800/1600 double at this year's event.
--
The Arkansas Milesplit 'Distance Runner of the Week' is a new series that will be published every Wednesday, awarding one distance runner from the state the unique distinction of being the best of the best. Statistics will be gathered every week, counting each meet from Monday to Sunday prior to Wednesday's publication. This week, performances from April 17th-April 23rd were considered for the award.
