UNIVERSITY'S 8TH JAX RUSH COMPETES IN AN INDOOR MEET EARLIER THIS YEAR
University Lab eighth grader Jax Rush is having himself a season to remember. If he can only remember which size shot put to take to the meets he is competing in, everything will be just fine. He is the only Class of 2030 thrower to surpass the 50-foot barrier with the 4K, he shot put used in middle school competition. He accomplished this during his first outdoor meet of the season- the Endeavor Catholic Middle School meet where he won with a throw of 50-4.
But Rush has also competed in varsity competition. At the Brusly Invitational he finished fourth throwing the 12lb shot 43-6. The only eighth grader who has thrown the high school shot put farther this season is John Curtis' Khaidyn Woods (48-7).
It's interesting to note that Woods ranks No. 3 on Louisiana's middle school with a season best of 47-7. Lakeside's Malik Thorn (47-8) ranks No. 2 on the middle school list.
2026 LOUISIANA MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS SHOT PUT PERFORMANCE LIST
Besides Woods and Rush, Kainon Brown from Ouachita Parish on the only three freshmen in Louisiana who have thrown the 12lb shot over 40 feet.
Other eighth graders who have thrown the 12lb shot put 35 feet or better include Jennings Nate Broussard (38-10), Castor's Blayze Ward (38-1), and Plain Dealing's Zayden Newton (37-2.50).
2026 8TH GRADE BOYS HIGH SCHOOL SHOT PUT LIST
Moss Bluff Middle's Kendall Burt (47-6) and Tioga Jr High's Trent Woodland (46-.05) are two other names to watch in the middle school ranks. Burt ranks No. 4 on the middle school list. Woodland is currently at No. 5 on Louisiana's middle school list. Newton is at No. 6 with a season best of 45-2.
Jax Rush is simply following in big brother's footsteps. Gordon Rush (178-11) is ranked No. 14 in Louisiana in the javelin and No. 5 in the junior class. Older brother is also a 300m hurdler for the Cubs. Late last month he had a big personal record of 41.01 to earn the silver medal at the Brady Perry Invitational.
The success the Rush brothers are experiencing is no surprise to those who have followed age group track and field in Louisiana. Both are members of the US Express Track Club and have been active members of the team for several years.
UNIVERSITY'S 8TH JAX RUSH COMPETES IN AN INDOOR MEET EARLIER THIS YEAR
University Lab eighth grader Jax Rush is having himself a season to remember. If he can only remember which size shot put to take to the meets he is competing in, everything will be just fine. He is the only Class of 2030 thrower to surpass the 50-foot barrier with the 4K, he shot put used in middle school competition. He accomplished this during his first outdoor meet of the season- the Endeavor Catholic Middle School meet where he won with a throw of 50-4.
But Rush has also competed in varsity competition. At the Brusly Invitational he finished fourth throwing the 12lb shot 43-6. The only eighth grader who has thrown the high school shot put farther this season is John Curtis' Khaidyn Woods (48-7).