CHARLESTON — Edwardsville sophomore Parker Owens won the IHSA State Class 3A championship on Saturday, May 30, 2026, in the pole vault, clearing 4.95 meters (16 feet, 2.75 inches) to give the Tigers a state title performance.
William Mercure of Lake Villa finished second at 4.85 meters in the pole vault, so Parker Owens had strong competition in his event.
Owens is a sophomore at Edwardsville High School. The win came after he fell short a year ago, and he worked back from an early-season injury.
“It was an amazing day,” Owens said about Saturday’s pole vault effort.
“I fell a little short last year,” he said. “I was hoping to win and didn’t do it, but this year I came back better than ever, coming off an injury, and made it work.
Owens is also a Spencer Homes Male Athlete of the Month honoree.
“It is amazing, around the whole track, especially the pole vault, everyone is so supportive throughout the whole meet. It is a super cool place for a meet. It is such a great environment,” Owens said.
“Right before our first indoor meet, I suffered a pretty bad ankle sprain, but I persevered. My pole vault coach moved here from Texas; he is attending seminary school here, and he is amazing and was so much help,” Owens closed.
