BLOOMINGTON

Caleb Bollinger and Josh Pennington are at different points in their track and field careers.

Bollinger, the Brownstown Central pole vaulter, closed out his high school career, while Pennington, a sophomore hurdler from Seymour, is just getting started.

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Both finished their seasons at the boys state meet on Friday.

Bollinger made his second consecutive trip to the Robert C. Haugh complex after finishing 22nd here a year ago. This time, he placed 19th after clearing heights of 12 feet, 6 inches, 13 feet and 13-6.

He was unable to make it over 14 feet, but the senior was satisfied with how and where he capped off his career.

“Being here last year really helped a lot,” said Bollinger, who plans to attend Eastern Kentucky University next year and is considering trying out for track. “It was just knowing I could come in with a clear mind and just try to jump my best. I knew what it was going to be like.

“I’m not disappointed in what I did. With my career and all the memories I’ve had, it’s really been great.”

Pennington’s maiden voyage onto high school track’s elite stage resulted in an eighth-place effort in his 110-meter hurdle heat. The sophomore’s time of 15.52 seconds was 23rd of 27 competitors overall, giving him plenty of incentive for the final half of his prep career.

“It was nice down here,” Pennington said. “A little bit overwhelming. A lot bigger crowd, but fun, though. I love it, to be honest. It shows where I need to improve.”