SIOUX FALLS — Twenty months after a devastating knee injury, Chester’s Zachery Moyer is a state champion.

The senior won the 110-meter hurdles at the state track and field meet on Saturday, finishing with a time of :14.82 seconds. The state championship came after Moyer tore his ACL, meniscus and partially tore his MCL in September 2024 during a football game.

The knee injury derailed most of his junior season, but he ultimately qualified for the state meet in 2025.

On Saturday, Moyer achieved his ultimate goal with the 110-meter hurdles state championship, a feat all the more special after the knee injury. 

“It’s just so rewarding,” Moyer said. “All my coaches, all my teammates, they push me every day. I am just so thankful right now.”

Moyer, who will compete collegiately at Dakota State University, expressed gratitude for winning the title and also hopes to encourage other athletes facing adversity to push through. 

“Just keep your head down,” Moyer said. “At this point anything is possible. I have a quote from one of my former coaches, ‘You can’t have a testimony with a test.’ So when you have a test, find out what your testimony is and live by it.” 

Moyer also praised Chester graduate and South Dakota State decathlete Ryan Benson, who served as a mentor and coach in recent years. 

“He came over Monday morning, and worked with me,” Moyer said. “We got some stuff figured out. It all paid off here. I have to give a lot of thanks to him, and my future coaches at DSU for allowing me to come to the facility and work out.”

On Saturday, Moyer edged past a crowded field of competitors, including returning state champ Spencer Melius of Faulkton Area. Moyer topped Castlewood’s Brody Bass (:15.06) and Melius (:15.11) for the state championship.  

“Beating that field was cool and all those guys are great athletes,” Moyer said. “I wish them all the best in the rest of their lives.”