SIOUX FALLS — Paige Bull put an exclamation point on a stellar throwing career for the Burke Cougars. 

The Burke High School senior captured the Class B state championship in the shot put, recording a personal record of 40-feet and 4.75 inches in the event. 

“It feels great,” Bull said. “I wasn't really expecting it totally. I knew I probably had a chance because shot put can go either way from everyone. But it’s amazing and a PR is great.”

Bull, who finished 12th in the 2024 Class B shot put standings, launched her throw of 40-4.75 on her first throw in the finals Saturday at Howard Wood Field.  

“I was pretty confident,” Bull said about hitting 40 feet. “I hit it a couple of times in practice and in that warmup throw. So I was pretty confident I could do it. I just had to get the right one.”

The toss surpassed Iroquois/Lake Preston’s Hadlee Holt (39-1) for the lead. Timber Lake’s Jasmine Nash launched a personal record of 39-7.75 on her final attempt. 

Nash finished second and Holt placed third, with Bull praising her two main competitors for pushing her over the 40-foot barrier. 

“They were amazing,” Bull said. “We were all really close and so I think having those two being right on my tail really made me push and reach that goal of going over 40.”

For Bull, it buttoned up a memorable state track and field meet. Bull won her third consecutive Class B discus title on Thursday, and added the shot put championship on Saturday. 

“It feels great,” Bull said. “I wasn’t expecting it. I know I want to try to get it, but it’s amazing. I couldn’t ask for anything better to end my season. … This is the best ending to a season that anyone can imagine.” 

Bull, who helped the Cougars win the 2024 Class B state championship, said she will miss the team unity during her high school track and field career. 

She also credited her dad Carter Bull, Burke’s throws coach, for her development in the ring. 

“It’s the best,” Paige Bull said. “I don’t know if I would have been able to do this without him. He’s definitely pushed me along since fifth grade. He dragged me to a whole bunch of track camps with my older sister. So I definitely don't think I would be here without him.” 

Bull will continue her throwing career at Doane University next season. 

Burke's Paige Bull, left and her father, Carter, pose for a picture at the state track and field meet on Saturday in Sioux Falls. (Ryan Deal / 605 Sports)