Mid-Prairie’s Stafford brings home three titles

DES MOINES — Mid-Prairie’s Jayden Stafford knows what it takes to win.

The sophomore was one of the top competitors in the state wheelchair events as a freshman a year ago, but came up just short in his trio of events while having to settle for second.

In 2023, the Golden Hawk was one of the best once again.

It was a tough start for Stafford, who entered the state meet as the favorite in all four wheelchair events, as in the opening 800-meter wheelchair event Stafford tipped over and was given a ‘Did Not Finish’ distinction.

“I knew I could do better than that,” Stafford said of the spill in the 800. “I wanted it. I wanted to prove that I belong here and I want to stay here.”

The DNF gave Stafford all the motivation he needed as he went on to sweep the next three wheelchair events.

Stafford clocked a time of 17.56 in the 100-meter, 32.81 in the 200-meter and 1:05.12 in the 400-meter. All three times were good enough for titles.

“That made me upset, because I didn’t get what I wanted,” Stafford said. “The spill was just a minor set back. It made me want to win even more in all my events. I went back to the hotel and thought about what I needed to do. I needed to just keep pushing.”

For Stafford competing is just about being the best he can be.

“Honestly, nothing I’m doing is special,” Stafford said. “I got an amazing chair from amazing groups of people that donated to get me to this spot. They want to see me win, so I’m gonna put on a show and let them see me win.”

Stafford is grateful for all the support from the Mid-Prairie community as well.

“The coaches are amazing,” Stafford said. “They’re great about staying after practice and making sure I’m OK with everything. They give me opportunities to do the ice bath. Everyone is great about including me and making me feel apart of the team. I love their inclusion.”

Washington’s Josh Anderson had himself a fantastic freshman campaign in 2023.

In his first time at the state tournament, Anderson finished inside the top five in all four events, while grabbing top three finishes in two of the four events.

Anderson opening the meet with a third-place finish in the 800-meters with a time of 2:46.29.

Then in the 100-meter, he dashed to a runner-up finish with a time of 19.16.

In the final two competitions, the 200 and 400-meters, Anderson picked up a pair of fourth-place finishes with times of 39.69 and 1:23.64.

Anderson says he found it’s important to pace yourself throughout the meet.

“It's tiring, man,” Anderson said. “Be consistent, and don't wear yourself out.”

Next time around, Anderson says he hopes he can get a gold medal.

“I'm going to need to put the effort in this summer, and maybe race for number one next year,” Anderson said.

Representing the Demons has been a great and his coaches have helped him make strides through the season.

“They've helped me a lot,” Anderson said. “They gave me everything. They help me get in the wheelchair, and they make sure I'm safe.”