1A women’s athletics: discus competition record broken on day one

LAKEWOOD – On Thursday, on the opening day of the Colorado high school track and field state championships, Jaylyn Kechter did nothing out of the ordinary while preparing for the Class 1A discus.

Junior Idalia simply followed her usual routine. But there was nothing normal about Kechter’s performance in this year’s national finals.

Facing a loaded field that included defending state champion and previous meet record holder Zadie Mackey of Elbert, Kechter threw 137 feet, 8 inches to not only win the gold medal, but also set a 1A state meet record. And sure enough, it came on the last shot of his season.

“It was really cool. I had some crazy competition,” Kechter said. “I mean, the two girls above me are amazing and they’ve been pushing me for a few years. I didn’t even think it It was within my reach, but then I prayed this morning and said, “God, whatever you’re planning, let it be,” and it fell in my favor. I’m very grateful.

“I did everything the same way. I was really slipping a lot when I got in the ring. But then, before the last pitch, we had a little respite and then everything fell into place.

Lone Star sophomore Jade Kuntz defended her state title in the 1A girls pole vault, clearing even 10 feet. Lone Star freshman Peytyn Kuntz, who entered the event as the top seed, placed fourth after going 8-09.

Also defending her title from last year, Merino sophomore Kya Piel won the 3,200-meter race with a time of 12:28.99.

Sanford – Ashley Dominguez, Brooklynn Reynolds, Holly McDaniel and Erica Miller – won the sprint medley relay title with a time of 1:52.42.

The state track and field championships will continue Friday starting at 9 a.m.