Leap into history: Barry’s state title in long jump is Unity’s first track champion in more than 40 years

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | May 19, 2024
Mendon Unity sophomore Saylor Barry flies through the air on one of her three attempts in the long jump Saturday at the Class 1A state track and field championships in Charleston, Ill. Barry won the state title with a leap of 17 feet, 11 inches. | Photo courtesy Clark Brooks, PhotoNews Media

CHARLESTON, Ill. — The carryover from the preliminary round of the Class 1A long jump put Mendon Unity sophomore Saylor Barry at the top of the leaderboard with three jumps to be made in Saturday’s finals. She didn’t jump any farther, but no one else did either. In fact, she outjumped the field Saturday at…

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Mustangs’ Barry qualifies for finals in three events at Class 1A state track championships

By Muddy River Sports | May 16, 2024
Mendon Unity sophomore Saylor Barry lands in the sandpit on one of her attempts in the long jump during Thursday's preliminaries in the Class 1A girls state track and field championships at O'Brien Stadium in Charleston, Ill. | Photo courtesy Clark Brooks, PhotoNews Media

CHARLESTON, Ill. — The Mendon Unity girls track and field program hasn’t had an individual or relay state champion in more than 40 years. Saylor Barry has given herself three chances to make history. The Unity sophomore qualified for the finals in three individual events during Thursday’s preliminaries in the Class 1A state championships at…

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Mustangs’ Barry qualifies for state track meet in three events, Panthers take second at sectional

By Muddy River Sports | May 10, 2024

PLEASANT PLAINS, Ill. — Saylor Barry is sprinting toward a shot at state-level success. The Mendon Unity sophomore track and field athlete qualified for the Class 1A state championships in three events during Thursday’s Pleasant Plains Sectional. The state meet takes place May 16-18 at O’Brien Stadium on the Eastern Illinois University campus in Charleston.…

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