Rising Star: Andale’s Riley Marx and McKenzie Fairchild

ANDALE, Kan. (Catch it Kansas) - Juniors Riley Marx and McKenzie Fairchild of Andale are leading the state rankings in javelin and catching some national attention as well. The pair of cousins come from one of the most athletic families in Kansas. Two of Fairchild’s brothers are playing college football here in Kansas (Kansas and Pittsburg State) while her sister is currently throwing the javelin at Texas A&M.

Andale Head Track and Field Coach Tyler Ryan said that he has high praise for the pair as well as their family background.

“They are two of the hardest working kids we have in the school,” he said. “I mean, they just work hard. I think they’ve seen that with their siblings as well and they just kind of know this is what’s expected. ‘You’re going to come in and work hard. We’re not here to mess around.’ I think that message just works its way down and it has been delivered.”

Fairchild said that growing up in such an athletic family led to some fun competitions growing up.

“On holidays we always get into it and we always play some type of sport,” she said. “But it’s amazing to see everybody doing so well in their own thing.”

Fairchild and Marx both currently sit near the top of the national rankings of javelin this season with respective throws of 160 feet 3 inches and 209 feet 9 inches.

Marx said that being towards the top of the entire nation is exciting and he is honored to be near the top.

“It’s definitely cool getting recognized,” Marx said. “We’ve got to track meets and kids will be like, ‘Hey, are you so and so’ and it’s pretty cool experience.”

Not only are the pair succeeding with javelin so far this season, Fairchild also leads all of class 4A in the shot-put and discus events as well. Marx comes in second place in the 4A discus event only behind his own teammate Beau Kerschen.

Copyright 2022 Catch it Kansas. All rights reserved.