Excelsior Athletes Overcome Hurdles in State Track and Field

Local Excelsior Springs athletes proved themselves with their outstanding achievements in track and field at the conference, sectionals, and state levels. The exceptional athletes were Sophomores Katie Houck and Kinley Rogers, Junior Kolin Kincaid, and Seniors Joseph James and Kolt Willis. 

At the conference level, Kinley Rogers didn’t “throw” her chance away, securing her spot as the Conference Champion. However, she wasn’t the only one who felt like winning, as she was joined by Katie Houck in the High Jump and Kolin Kincaid in the Long Jump. All three were crowned individual champions in the Suburban Blue Track and Field Conference. 

Building upon success at the conference level, these athletes continued to excel in Sectionals where the top four in each event qualified to go to state. Kinley Rogers proved her excellence in throwing by securing fourth place in both the Shot Put and Javelin events. Joining Rogers in the ranks of state qualifiers was Kolt Willis in Discus. Willis stayed focused throughout the day and was able to secure a 3rd place spot. Kolin Kincaid and Katie Houck took to the sky in the Long Jump and High Jump, where they each placed 2nd in their respective events.

However, it was Joseph James, with his exceptional speed and agility, who truly stole the show, emerging as the Sectional Champion in the competitive 110 Hurdles event. James ran fast and jumped high, taking down the competition hurdle by hurdle. 

The journey didn’t end there for the Tiger Track and Field group as they traveled to the Show Me Capital of Jefferson City to show off their skills. The group, united in their efforts, put all they had out on the field. For Kolt Willis, it was a moment of personal triumph as he soared to second place at the state competition, marking a personal best throw of 52.77 meters in the Discus event. While the other Tigers were unable to medal at the State meet, the Excelsior Springs Track and Field team, as a whole, demonstrated their exceptional ability and performance at the district and state levels, making the community and school proud.