First look at the top boys hurdlers to watch in the 2023 track and field season.
If there was one event that had a season to remember last spring, it was the boys hurdlers.
From Andre Korbmacher and Lyricc Lopez breaking state records in a span of 10 minutes to those two clashing in one of the greatest state races of all time, hurdlers were the main highlight from the historic 2022 season that was full of many memorable moments.
This year will feature familiar faces back for another season, but also some new ones looking to solidify their legacy.
Here's a look at the top boys hurdlers to watch for this season.
David Brown, Lake Stevens
David Brown's athleticism is one that stands out among the top hurdlers in the state. As a three-sport athlete in football, wrestling and track, it's no surprise what Brown can do in the high hurdles as well as in other events. As a sophomore, Brown ran personal best times of 14.94 in the 110 hurdles and 41.30 in the 300 hurdles, qualifying for both events at the 4A state meet where he finished fourth in the 110 finals to help Lake Stevens secure the team title. This last fall, Brown helped the Vikings to the school's first-ever football state championship title over Kennedy Catholic.
Alex Conner, Kentridge
The Connor family is no stranger to the track and field community at Kentridge given the success they've had in hurdles. Following in the footsteps of his older brother Tanner, a 4A state champion in the 300s and runner-up in the 110s in 2016, Alex Conner looks to continue his family legacy with an eye at winning this year's state title in the 300s. Last spring, the junior-then ran lifetime best 39.19 in the 300s to earn himself a runner-up finish at the 4A state meet and was less than half a second from claiming the title. Conner also possesses personal best times of 11.35 in the 100 and 22.64 in 200.
Jonathan Frazier, Lincoln (Tacoma)
Another athlete who can do it all from hurdles to sprints is Jonathan Frazier of Lincoln in Tacoma. Last spring was full of several PRs for Frazier as he ran 14.77 in the 110s, 39.91 in the 300s and 49.93 in the open 400. Frazier earned three medals at his first 3A state meet as he came away with a runner-up finish in the 300s, a sixth-place finish in the 110s and a fourth-place finish in the in the 400. Frazier also made it to the finals of the 110s at the USATF National Junior Olympics and finished seventh to earn all-American status for his age group. This indoor season, Frazier has improved on his 60s time, running 8.32.
Andre Korbmacher, Squalicum
He's got four national titles, two state titles and a state record under his belt. What more does Andre Korbmacher need to prove? The Florida State University commit had a junior year unlike any other as he went on to run personal best times of 13.44 in the 110s and 36.30 in the 300s to lead a record-setting year for hurdlers. His win in the 110s at 2A state didn't come as a shock but knocking off Foster's Lopez for the 300 title will be forever known as the greatest race in state history. Korbmacher won his first national title back in the indoor season, taking the 60 hurdles crown at New Balance Indoor Nationals, followed by three more in the 110s in the spring at Nike Outdoor Nationals, AAU West Coast and USATF National Junior Olympics. This season, Korbmacher ranks second in the country in the 60 hurdles with a season best run of 7.74.
Jaquan Means, Kamiak
This could be another big year for Jaquan Means if everything pans out right. The Kamiak senior has taken a major step forward in his training over the last two years. Between his sophomore and junior year, Means had dropped his 110s time down from 17.49 to 14.94 and his 300s time from 51.94 to 40.28. He qualified for the 4A state meet in both events as he finished eighth in the 110 final and seventh in the 300 final, capping off a much-improved season that shows promise for this coming year. Indoor has also been a good start to Means' senior year as he's improved upon his 60 hurdle time, dropping from 9.09 to 8.33.
Others to watch:
Nicholas Altheimer, Emerald Ridge
- Ran personal best times of 16.15 and 40.65. Placed seventh in the 300 hurdles at 2A state.
Nathan Kuhnau, Peninsula
- Ran personal best times of 15.93 and 39.91. Placed third in the 300 hurdles at 3A state.
Seth Shook, Richland
- Ran personal best time of 15.15. Placed fifth in the 110 hurdles at 4A state.
Jonah Tongco, Kentridge
- Ran personal best time of 14.99. Placed third in the 110 hurdles at 4A state.
Sam Wah, Federal Way
- Ran personal best times of 15.38 and 41.15. Placed sixth in the 110 hurdles at 4A state.
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