The future of Indiana high school track and field is on full display, and the race for the 2026 IndyStar Boys Field Athlete of the Year is heating up. This season promises thrilling competition across jumping and vaulting events, with several standout athletes already posting impressive early-season marks.
Now it's your turn to weigh in. Who has the talent, momentum, and drive to claim this prestigious honor? Cast your vote in our fan poll below and help crown the next star of Indiana field events.
Leading the conversation in the high jump is Fishers senior Hayden, who is riding a wave of momentum from a third-place state finish last season. He's started strong this year, securing a second-place finish at the large-school Hoosier State Relays with a 6-8 leap and claiming victories at the Fall Creek Pavilion and Brownsburg HCC Indoor meets.
Right on his heels is Plainfield senior Stead, who owns the second-highest jump of the season at 6-9. A winner at the Brownsburg Bulldog Last Chance meet, Stead also took top honors at the Mid-State Indoor and Whiteland HSR Qualifier, proving he's a consistent threat for the title.
Don't count out the underclassmen, either. Ben Davis junior Smith has already podiumed at HSR, placing third in the large-school final with a 6-6 jump, and grabbed a first-place finish at the Indiana State HSR Last Chance meet.
Over in the pole vault, the competition is just as fierce. Westfield sophomore Lemieux placed ninth in the large-school HSR final with a 14-0 vault and has secured multiple second-place finishes at key qualifiers, showing remarkable poise for a young athlete.
Cascade senior Marcum is making noise in the small-school division, finishing seventh at HSR with a season's best 13-3 vault. With additional podium finishes at the Red Devil Classic and Warren Central qualifiers, he's a veteran contender to watch.
Meanwhile, Lawrence North junior Glenn vaulted himself into the state's elite with a 14-0 clearance at the Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference Indoor Championships, the 13th-best mark in Indiana this season. After a first-place finish there and a 13th-place showing at HSR, Glenn is laser-focused on turning last season's sectional runner-up finish into a coveted state meet appearance.
The poll is now open! Review the contenders, consider their early-season performances, and make your voice heard. Voting closes Monday, April 20, at noon. Who will soar highest and earn your vote for 2026 IndyStar Boys Field Athlete of the Year?