Historic weekend for Chapman and the Paris Coyotes

Published 3:52 am Tuesday, May 26, 2026

By NICK KOETTERS

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Landen Chapman had an amazing weekend and an amazing career at Paris High School.

The Coyotes senior came into the meet with multiple All-State honors in track and cross country. He holds school records in six different events, but he still had some unfinished business in a blue and white uniform. I’d say mission accomplished.

Landan had already ran an astounding leg of the 4×800-meter relay on Friday to get Paris to a second place finish and placed fifth in the 3,200-meter run as well. But Saturday held the 800 and 1,600-meter runs.

Chapman was the defending state champion in both events and wanted to repeat. First up was the 1,600. Chapman took out strong and led the entire race. In the end, he ended up running a new personal record and school record of 4:15.43 to win by four seconds over Conner Soendker of Lexington.

Next was Chapman’s best race, the 800. During that furious comeback on Friday in the 4×800-meter relay, Chapman was timed at running an 800 split under 1:52 seconds.

Coming into the state meet, Landen had a goal of breaking the 800 class record that was 1:54.78 set in 2013. The plan went according to plan. Chapman took off fast running the first 400 meters in 56.06 seconds. He came across the finish line in a time of 1:53.95, securing a personal record, school record and Class 2 state record.

“I’m very glad I ended my career on a very high note,” said Chapman. “I think pushing myself to get as many points as could for the team helped me.”

The record setting weekend allowed Paris to capture 33 team points and bring home fourth place overall. This is the first state trophy in the track and field program history for the school. Chapman was helped in the scoring by freshman teammate Case Morgan.

Morgan was a part of the 4×800 team and also earned his own individual All-State honor by finishing eighth in the 800-meter run in a time of 1:59.43. It was the first time Morgan had ran under two minutes.

Not to be outdone by the guys, Mia Kendrick had a weekend of her own. After capturing a fourth place finish in the Long Jump on Friday, Mia ran a 12.42 to take fifth place in the Class 2 100-meter dash on Saturday. Kendrick turned around later in the day and took sixth place in the 200 with a time of 25.53.