Nixa Track Star Hayden Mays Aims for State Title

Senior discus and shot put standout eyes Missouri record and college future at Auburn

Mar. 26, 2026 at 8:19am

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Hayden Mays, a senior on the Nixa High School track and field team, is a top-ranked discus and shot put thrower who is the favorite to win state titles this year. Mays, who has already landed a scholarship to throw for Auburn University next year, is known for his natural talent, strong work ethic, and leadership on the team.

Why it matters

Mays' success highlights the strength of Nixa's track and field program and the potential for local athletes to compete at the highest levels. His story also showcases how dedicated training and natural ability can propel a high school athlete to national recognition and a Division I college scholarship.

The details

Mays, a 6'5" senior, finished in the top 25 nationally in the discus throw last year, good for second in the state. This year, he has the fourth-best discus throw in the nation after just one meet. Mays is also a top contender in the shot put, having landed a throw in the top 100 nationally last year. His coaches praise his natural talent, strong work ethic, and leadership, saying "the sky's the limit" for Mays.

  • Mays finished top 25 nationally in the discus throw last year.
  • Mays has the fourth-best discus throw in the nation so far this year.

The players

Hayden Mays

A 6'5" senior on the Nixa High School track and field team who is a top-ranked discus and shot put thrower, with a scholarship to throw for Auburn University next year.

Kenzie Medley

Nixa's shot put coach, who says Mays has "the number four throw in the nation after one meet" and that "the sky's the limit for him" in the discus.

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What they’re saying

“Sometimes the disc almost throws itself. The disc, it comes off your hand good, and it just feels light.”

— Hayden Mays, Senior, Nixa track and field team

“He has the number four throw in the nation after one meet last Friday.”

— Kenzie Medley, Nixa's shot put coach

“In disc, the sky's the limit for him.”

— Kenzie Medley, Nixa's shot put coach

“He's a great role model and a great leader. He's not the loudest guy in the room. But when he does speak, people listen. He's always super helpful. He helps each level of thrower.”

— Kenzie Medley, Nixa's shot put coach

“One big thing is you don't need to be super strong. There are guys all over the country who like, I'm stronger than them in terms of lifting numbers. And they throw further than me. And then I'm weaker than some guys, and I throw further than them.”

— Hayden Mays, Senior, Nixa track and field team

What’s next

Mays is the favorite to win the state title in both the discus and shot put this year, and he may even break the Missouri state record in the discus.

The takeaway

Hayden Mays' success showcases the strength of Nixa's track and field program and the potential for local athletes to compete at the highest levels through dedication, natural talent, and strong coaching. His story highlights how an exceptional high school athlete can earn a college scholarship and national recognition.