West Platte senior Charlie Kinslow has collected four state medals in the last three seasons.
West Platte seniors Laura Hill and Charlie Kinslow have high expectations for the track and field season as the Blue Jays have a slew of talented athletes who are ready to compete.
Hill and Kinslow have both made it to state on multiple occasions but have very different skill sets. Hill is a pole vaulter and finished in 11th place at state last spring and ninth place in 2021, while Kinslow has a long list of long-distance accolades in his career.
Ahlanna Rutherford set the school record in the high jump and is looking to have a promising senior season. Sophomores Sam Baker and Haley Peters were huge pieces for the West Platte girls’ team last year as Baker brought home four state medals and Peters medaled in three of the four events she qualified in.
“I’m excited for another track season,” West Platte girls’ track and field coach Bailee Giger said. “We’re looking to build on the success of past years and improve our personal records every time we go out and compete. It is a hardworking, fun group and I’m lucky to be a part of it.”
The Lady Blue Jays will return all but one leg of the 4x800-meter relay team that took seventh place at state last year with Julia Pattison, Maddie McMillan and Avery Holmes. West Platte has three freshman girls – Blair McHenry, Sophie Grier and Addi Bailey – who are looking to contribute this season.
Kinslow will be expected to be the biggest West Platte star overall as he has four state medals over the last three years. Last season, Kinslow had a state medal in the 800-meter run and 4x800-meter relay – along with returners Jonah McGivern and Tristan Newkirk – after earning back-to-back state medals in the 1,600-meter run in his freshman and sophomore seasons.
Three of the four legs from the greatest 4x100-meter relay team ever assembled in the history of West Platte is coming back, with McClain Zendejas, Dominic Williams and Augie Hill. The trio broke the school record – on multiple occasions – last year and finished in fourth place at state.
“We just need one piece to the puzzle of the 4x100 team to make it back to state,” West Platte boys’ head track and field coach Jim Newsted said. “I really like the nucleus of upperclassmen we have returning. This group is full of experienced upperclassmen, which usually results in a good season.”
Seniors Lane Scott, Josh Brown, Chad Jameson, Wyatt Wallingford and Mac Reade were key contributors on the field last spring. Brown is a jumper, Scott and Jameson are throwers and Wallingford and Reade both pole vault.
Seniors Gabe Larimer and Micah Harrison are in their first year doing track and field and will be throwing. Colton Depetre and Sam Davies are returning varsity runners and Miles McHenry is a returning thrower and jumper.