Payton Conn crosses the finish line in the UIL 3A Girls 300H
2026 UIL Track and Field State Championships
The UIL 3A girls' 300-meter hurdles final once again showcased one of the deepest hurdle fields in the classification, led by defending state champion Payton Conn of Franklin. One year after winning the 2025 title as a freshman in 43.52, Conn returned to Austin as the clear favorite after entering with the fastest regional qualifying time at 44.05.
Although Kyla Hill's 2024 state meet record of 41.04 remained safely ahead of the field, the event featured several experienced challengers, including San Antonio Cole senior Klarrisa Frain, Bells senior Aubrey Payne, and West standout Briley Brown, all returning after scoring points at last year's state meet.
UIL 3A Girls 300-Meter Hurdles
From the opening hurdles, Conn immediately asserted control of the race. Running with confidence and efficiency through the curve, the Franklin sophomore built separation over the middle barriers while maintaining her rhythm into the homestretch. Frain and Payne both stayed within striking distance through the final 100 meters, creating a competitive battle for the medals behind the leader, but neither could close the gap on Conn. The defending champion powered through the final hurdle cleanly and sprinted away to retain her state title in 43.03, improving significantly on last year's winning mark and solidifying herself as one of the state's premier hurdle talents regardless of classification.
Behind Conn, Frain capped her high school career with a strong runner-up finish in 43.58, while Payne earned third in 43.74 after entering with one of the top qualifying times in the field. Pottsboro junior Audrey Conklin improved from ninth place a year ago to finish fourth in 45.21, and Brown added another state medal for West in fifth at 45.45. The race ultimately highlighted both Conn's continued development and the impressive overall depth within 3A girls hurdling, with three athletes dipping under 44 seconds in one of the fastest finals the classification has seen in recent years.
Payton Conn crosses the finish line in the UIL 3A Girls 300H
2026 UIL Track and Field State Championships
The UIL 3A girls' 300-meter hurdles final once again showcased one of the deepest hurdle fields in the classification, led by defending state champion Payton Conn of Franklin. One year after winning the 2025 title as a freshman in 43.52, Conn returned to Austin as the clear favorite after entering with the fastest regional qualifying time at 44.05.
Although Kyla Hill's 2024 state meet record of 41.04 remained safely ahead of the field, the event featured several experienced challengers, including San Antonio Cole senior Klarrisa Frain, Bells senior Aubrey Payne, and West standout Briley Brown, all returning after scoring points at last year's state meet.
