Before the 2024 LHSAA indoor season track and field even began, Bryan Lay of Quitman High School was already the two time, defending Class B outdoor track and field state champion in the pole vault. On Saturday, Lay competed in the LHSAA Indoor state championships . It can now be said “Peanut”, as he is fondly called by family and friends, is the best pole vaulter in the state – indoor or out!

Lay won the indoor state title by clearing 14’6″ at the Carl Maddox Fieldhouse on the campus of LSU in Baton Rouge. Not only did Lay lay claim to his third state title he also now owns the top two vaults in the state this year.

Nearly each and every week over the 30 days, Bryan Lay of Quitman High School has reached new heights – literally. First it was setting a new a personal best of 13’9″ in the pole vault at the LSU High School Qualifier on January 20th. This was followed by clearing 14 feet at the McNeese Indoors one week later and earning Performer of the Week by Mile Split LA. Then at the LSU Last Chance Qualifier Lay went absolutely “orbital” improving his previous best by an incredible 10 inches to become the state of Louisiana’s #1 ranked pole vaulter. 

QHS 4×400 boys relay tops among small schools

Lay wasn’t the only QHS track athlete to score points at the LHSAA Indoors. As a group, four more scored points as well, with the 4×400 boys relay team coming in 5th place. Making the showing all the more impressive was that Nathan Harvey, Gage Horton, Jayden Harts and Brayden Smith finished behind schools all from higher classifications giving the Wolverines the designation of having the best 4×400 team among all Class B / Division V schools in the state. 

Kaeligh King and Nathan Harvey also competed in the 60 meter hurdles giving all the QHS athletes the distinction of being the first to compete in a state indoor track and field meet.