Marble Falls’ Kason O’Riley wins meet in professional debut

CAPTION: The signs say it all. Marble Falls graduate Kason O’Riley (left) holds the signs that signal a terrific start to his pro career as The Royal City Inferno Track and Field Festival Paul Galas congratulates him. Courtesy photo

Marble Falls High School graduate Kason O’Riley won the high jump competition of The Royal City Inferno Track and Field Festival June 17 in his first meet as a professional.

He cleared 7 feet and 5.5 inches to set a new meet record and a new personal record. The meet was in Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

He noted the atmosphere was loose with enthusiastic onlookers who weren’t shy about sharing their happiness to be at the meet, which helped a lot.

“I was just having fun,” he said. “They had a DJ by the pit.”

The previous five days have been a whirlwind for the 2021 graduate, who is now ranked No. 15 in the world standings.

In his final track meet as a Texas State Bobcat, O’Riley finished as the runner-up in the NCAA Division I Men’s Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon June 13 then returned to Texas the next day.

He was reviewing Inferno meet information before leaving for Canada June 16 and saw the high jump was scheduled for June 17, which was different from his itinerary that stated the event was happening June 18. He texted Inferno officials to confirm the date of the event. That was when he was told it was happening a day earlier than originally planned.

“I flew in on Monday thinking I’ll have time to rest,” he said.

Instead, when he landed, he immediately made his way to a train station that took him to Guelph, which was an hour away. That’s where he did stretches and other activities to ensure his body wouldn’t be sore for the meet after a long day of traveling.

Once he got to the hotel, he took a salt bath and continued his pre-meet routine.

“I’m going to treat it like I’m already here,” he recalled thinking. “My body felt great.”

The quick turnaround didn’t bother O’Riley, who cleared 6-10.75 on his first attempt, 7-0.5 on his second attempt at that height, 7-2.5 on his second attempt at that height, 7-3.75 on his first attempt, and 7-5.5 on his second attempt at that height.

He attempted 7-6, which was the final flop of the meet.

The meet featured several talented high jumpers, some who had competed in NCAA Division II, the former Mustang said.

One jumper also cleared 7-5.5, but O’Riley was declared the winner because he needed fewer jumps to clear the height.

“I stayed focused and cleared bars,” he said.

Needless to say, O’Riley is very encouraged by his start, which has reaffirmed his decision to turn pro.

He said this is his first visit to America’s neighbors to the north, and he planned on doing some traveling before heading to his next meet.

“This is a great year for me,” he said.