A Southport track star achieved his personal bests in two USA Track and Field events last month. Kayden Ames finished eighth in the boys’ 14 and under discus with a 135-foot, four-inch throw. In the shot put, his 38.975-foot throw placed him 19th nationally. Both events were held at California State University in Sacramento between July 22 and July 29.

Ames will be a high school freshman this fall. He earned a trip to the national event through his performances at two earlier qualifying meets. Ames competed in a state qualifier in Scarborough and a New York state regional qualifying tournament.

This article has been updated since its original posting. Ames finished eighth, not ninth, in the discus event.