Free State senior Cameryn Thomas competes in the High Jump event of the Women's Heptathlon during the National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships on Monday, July 24, 2017 at Rock Chalk Park.

Free State senior Cameryn Thomas is no stranger to big track meets whether it’s in the summer or the high school season.

She admitted there were some nerves when she arrived at Rock Chalk Park for the USA Track and Field National Junior Olympics on Monday. But once she started some of the events in the 17-18 year old women’s heptathlon, it helped that she was in a familiar place.

Thomas, who started competing in the heptathlon last summer, sits in 16th place among 27 competitors with 2,369 points through the first four events.

“It’s different being in the heptathlon,” Thomas said. “We don’t have that in high school. It’s pretty cool seeing people from all over the country and getting to know them, becoming friends. That’s what is really special about the heptathlon.”

Among all of the heptathletes, Thomas was 10th in the high jump, clearing the bar at 4 feet, 11 inches.

Thomas placed 15th in the 200-meter dash (27.27 seconds) and was 15th in the shot put (27 feet, 5.25 inches). The three-sport athlete took 16th in the 100-meter hurdles in 16.66 seconds.

“I was pretty happy with my hurdles,” Thomas said. “I’m pretty inexperienced in that and I feel like I improved.”

After competing at the AAU junior olympic games last year, Thomas has some familiarity with fellow competitors and she knew what to expect at a national-level meet.

Nikki Stephens, from Seattle, Wash., leads the women’s heptathlon with 2,916 points. Stephens has signed to compete at the University of Florida.

The heptathlon will continue with the long jump, javelin and 800-meter run, beginning at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday.

“A little nervous because I have high expectations for myself,” Thomas said. “I just want to focus on improving my score and doing my best.”

Stewart 30th in hammer throw

Ella Stewart, who will be a sophomore at Lawrence High, took 30th in the girls hammer throw among 15-16 year old girls.

A transfer from Shawnee Heights, Stewart set a personal-record with a throw of 74 feet, 3 inches.

“It was a good experience,” Stewart said. “It was a little bit nerve-wracking at first. I got warmed up and it was exciting. It was fun.”

Stewart, who competes with the NEK Track Club, said she didn’t put much pressure on herself because discus is her main event, which will begin Friday.

“I’m proud of how I did,” Stewart said.

Hooker breaks Harmon-Thomas’ record

Competing in the 13-14 year old girls pentathlon Monday, Tierra Hooker broke a national age group record with 3,556 points.

The previous record (3,534) was set by Free State graduate Alexa Harmon-Thomas in 2010. Harmon-Thomas completed her redshirt sophomore season at Southern California this spring.

Hooker, from Sicklerville, N.J., recorded top-three finishes in all five events, including a win in the high jump by clearing 5 feet, 7 inches.