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Kelley places in 1st state event
Andy Krutsinger
May. 20, 2021 4:15 pm
DES MOINES — The Mt. Pleasant girls track and field team has developed into a Class 3A throwing power, and Panther senior Grace Kelley wasn’t going to end her high school career without joining the party.
On Thursday morning at Drake Stadium, Kelley cashed in to score in her first ever state meet. She chucked the discus 124 feet, 6 inches to score in her only event.
“I haven't been to the state tournament before,” Kelley said. “So it's nice to come out here and do well.”
Kelley’s big throw came on her second attempt. She nearly outdid herself in her fifth attempt, throwing 123-03.
“I was definitely a little nervous,” Kelley said. “I just wanted to compete to the best of my abilities. I was just coming out trying to have fun.”
After the event, Kelley gave a lot of credit to throwing coach Shawn Striegel. Kelley is a longtime friend of coach Striegel’s daughter, Alyssa Striegel, a former state qualifier and 2020 graduate.
“Coach Striegel and I have a good relationship,” Kelley said. “I get on myself pretty hard, and he does well to mellow that out and get me back into focus.”
Kelley’s seventh-place finish is just another in a long line of big performances at Drake Stadium for Mt. Pleasant girl throwers. Another 2020 graduate, Lexie Magnani, was the state shot put champion in 2019, and Kelley’s teammate Jadan Brumbaugh will look to add a state shot put title on Friday after winning at the Drake Relays.
“It's a constant push to be better,” Kelley said.
Oskaloosa’s Faith DeRonde won the Class 3A discus throw with a toss of 140-01.
Mt. Pleasant's Grace Kelley launches the discus during Day 1 of the 2021 state track and field tournament on Thursday. (Andy Krutsinger/The Union)
Mt. Pleasant’s Grace Kelley poses with throws coach Shawn Striegel in the discus circle following her seventh-place finish at the state tournament on Thursday. (Andy Krutsinger/The Union)