The 100th Kansas high school track and field championships

In celebration of the 100th state track meet May 28-29 at Cessna Stadium, high school track coaches across Kansas were asked for their lists of top 10 meet moments. The Eagle will present them each Sunday through the meet's conclusion.

10. Jeff Buckingham clears 17 feet (1978)

Gardner High didn't have a pole vault pit, but that didn't matter to Jeff Buckingham. His father was a vaulter and their home had a pit in the backyard.

On May 20, 1978, Buckingham earned national recognition when he vaulted 17 feet, 0 1/2 inches at the Class 3A meet in Augusta. It was the second-highest vault by an American high schooler and still stands as the best vault in any class of the state championships.

This story was originally published March 28, 2010 at 12:00 AM with the headline "The 100th Kansas high school track and field championships."