LAKEWOOD — Slumped in a foldout chair sat frustrated state champ Ethan Rathke on Friday evening.
The University of Duke pole vaulting commit won the 3A boys event with his first jump of the day at 15 feet and 1 inch. But his eyes were ultimately set on the 3A state meet record of 16-1, which he did not get.
“I’m just a little disappointed because I know I can do so much better than 15-1,” Rathke said as the second day of the state track and field meet at Jeffco Stadium came to end with the conclusion of his event. “It was my first bar. I mean, I’m very excited I’m a state champion. I just wish the mark behind it was a little stronger.”…