Kansas 8th grader sets high marks against college athletes at KU relays

WICHITA, Kan. (Catch it Kansas) - Kansas middle schooler Aria Pearce made a name for herself in the summer of 2022 with her high marks in races as a 7th grader. Still not in high school, Pearce is doing it again, this time competing against college athletes at the 2023 KU relays.

Pearce, in Friday’s preliminary rounds, put up a time that was the second fastest in the 100 meter dash in United States middle school history, and would also be the second fastest high school time in state history, running an 11.50 against college athletes.

She followed that with a 23.79 in the 200 meter, a time that would be the fastest in Kansas high school history. Both marks are personal bests for Pearce.

Then in Saturday’s finals, Pearce took second overall in the 100 before winning the 200 in rainy conditions.

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