Ankeny sprinter Jack Belding has verbally committed to run for Kansas.
The senior announced on Wednesday that he picked the Jayhawks over Iowa State and South Dakota State.
“I looked at several schools and narrowed it down to (those three),” said Belding. “I was focused on schools that also offered architecture, which also narrowed the choices. It was a really tough decision as they were all really good schools and programs, but after a lot of thought KU just checked all the boxes for me. I loved the architecture program, they’re building a great culture overall, and I really clicked with the coaches. I felt like it was the school that would push me the most and help me reach my future goals.”
Belding is a two-time state champion heading into his final season. As a sophomore in 2022, he ran on the winning sprint medley relay at the state meet, helping Ankeny to a third-place finish in Class 4A.
Last year, Belding ran on the winning 4×400 relay at the Drake Relays. It was the Hawks’ first relay title since 2004.
Belding went on to enjoy a spectacular state meet, where he led Ankeny to a runner-up finish in Class 4A. He placed third or higher in all four of his events.
Belding won the Class 4A crown in the 400 in 47.94 seconds, just .03 off the school record. It equaled the 17th-fastest time in state history.
Belding placed third in the 200 and anchored the runner-up sprint medley relay that set a school record and posted the second-fastest time ever recorded in Iowa (1:30.78). He later closed out the meet by helping the Hawks to a second-place finish and another school record in the 4×400 relay, where he lifted his team from seventh place to first with a 47.53 split on the third leg.
“I plan to keep running the 200 and 400 as well as relays,” Belding said.