Lady Bear breaks school record for the second time

Every athlete knows it takes a lot to break a school record. One Willow Springs athlete broke a school record not once, but twice. The record she broke ... was her own.

 

Senior Mckensie Collins broke the javelin record on April 1 at the West Plains Open Track Meet with a throw of 33.22 meters (109 feet). Her previous record was 32.27 meters (105 feet 10.47 inches) which was broken her Junior year on April 15 at the Howell County Invitational Meet. The original record of 30.38 meters (99.8 feet) was held by Shyanne Figley from 2019.

 

When asked how it felt to break the school record her junior year Collins responded, "Breaking the school record for the first time is a feeling I will never forget. Finally being able to achieve one of my life-long goals was such a surreal feeling, and I am truly grateful for all the opportunities I have had. My family and Coach Payne always believed in me, so being able to make them all proud is a moment that I will always treasure."

 

Collins went on to explain the feeling of breaking the record for the second time. "I was very excited to break my own record. It's my senior season so every meet I have, I try to give it my absolute best! I realize that my high school career will be coming to an end in a matter of months. Most people can't say they were able to set a school record, let alone be able to then break their own school record, so I’m very thrilled to be able to say that. I hope that I will be able to break a couple more times so that it will be more challenging for the next person who tries to achieve it!"

 

On top of breaking her own record, Collins has signed her letter of intent to attend Mineral Area College in Park Hills, Mo. She will be a part of the Track and Field Team, competing as a multi, where she will be doing the pentathlon during the indoor season and the heptathlon during the outdoor season. Collins stated that her main events in high school are Shot Put, Javelin, Discus and 300 meter hurdles.

 

While attending Mineral Area, Collins will be utilizing her A Plus Scholarship along with the Zachary White Memorial Scholarship. She plans to major in Physical Education. "I want to teach P.E. and coach after I have earned my degree," Collins stated.

 

With her sights set on the future, Collins has advice for upcoming athletes. "Set goals and put in the work to achieve them. It’s important to remember that failing and setbacks are a part of sports. It’s your ability to push past your failures that will make you a better athlete. You also need to always be willing to put in the extra work! Even if others may not see your potential yet, you need to have confidence in yourself no matter what and most of all always remember to have fun!"