Junior Kelsey Heer breaks girls’ discus record

Junior Kelsey Heer competes in shot put in a home track meet.

Haley Cuba

Junior Kelsey Heer competes in shot put in a home track meet.

Junior Kelsey Heer broke the girls’ discus record at a home meet on April 28.

Heer’s throw broke the 2003 record of roughly 120 feet with her throw of 126 feet and three inches.

Along with surpassing the school record, Heer also broke her personal record.

“My best throw before was 112 feet and nine inches, so I improved it by a little over 13 feet,” Heer said.

This improvement came about due to hard work and an ambitious personality.

“I’m a very competitive person, and I am always motivated to want to be better,” Heer said.  “Each meet, I hope to throw better than the last one.”

After not having thrown a discus since eighth grade, Heer said she wasn’t sure how the season would go, but after her first throw of the night broke the school record, it is apparent it is going well.

“My first throw of the night was 124 feet and two inches, and that was the first time I broke the record,” Heer said.  “Then, each of my throws after that went a little further until I made 126 feet and 3 inches.”

Heer has had encouragement along the way to help her motivate herself to get better.

“I am very lucky to have a great throwing coach and have had other coaches and great friends that have been encouraging me  in my throwing,” Heer said.  

Along with discus, Heer also competes in shot put and javelin.  

“I love how it’s an independent sport and that I can see the progress I have made,” Heer said.   

Heer says that she would enjoy continuing her athletic career in her future.

“I think it would be fun to throw in college,” Heer said.  “If I get the chance to, I would definitely take it, and even if I don’t, I would definitely pursue it.”  

Heer’s favorite thing about competing is “seeing the improvement that I make.” This year, her personal improvement shows through shattering both school and personal records.

“I’m definitely a lot stronger this year, and when I see a goal, I want to break it,” Heer said.