As we reach the start of May, “Championship Season” as Garden Plain head track coach Mark Powell calls it, draws near. With major meets such as league, regionals, and state coming up in the following weeks, the Owls relentless effort does not waiver due to the pressure. With their hard work and determination, Garden Plain hopes to have yet another amazing state performance.
In a loaded regional, consisting of teams such as Cheney, Wichita Collegiate, and Wichita Trinity, the Owls look to do some serious damage as a team. The boys team, earning a majority of their points from throwing events, have a great shot at becoming regional champions. The girls on the other hand, earn a lot of their points in jumping events and relays. They too look to win yet another regional championship, after winning it previously in 2023 at Marion.
One key athlete this year for the Owls, is senior thrower Kaeden Kasselman. Kasselman, standing 6’5”, weighing in at just over 240 lbs., is one of the top throwers in Class 3A, in only his second year. Previously, Kasselman played baseball for Renwick, but decided to make the switch after his sophomore year. As a junior, Kasselman took 5th in discus with a throw of 149-0 feet at state. His best throw in discus so far this season was 155-4 feet, one of the top throws in his region. In shot put, Kaeden also is a contender for a top 3 finish at state, throwing 48-5 feet earlier this season. “Track has such a different sense of comradery than baseball, and I have fallen in love with it. Having yet another opportunity to compete for a State title, is something that I don’t think I would have had in baseball,” said Kaeden. Kasselman will continue his track career next season at Fort Hays University, where he plans to study Pre-Engineering, with hopes of one day becoming an aerospace or mechanical engineer.
Another key athlete for the boys team, is another senior thrower Brady Brack. Brack, who is also in his second season of high school track, has had a great start to the season. He has thrown personal bests of 49-1.5 feet in shot put, and 150-8 feet in discus. Like Kasselman, Brack is one of the top ranked throwers in the region, and has a great chance to do some serious damage at state. “The reason why I love track is the memories I get to make with my friends. I made the switch from baseball to track last year to have an opportunity to compete for a state title, as well as spend time with my best friends,” said Brack. After this spring sports season, Brack will continue his athletic career at Southwestern University, where he will play quarterback and plans to study Pre-Med.
For the girls team, Reese Stuhlsatz is an obvious standout athlete. Going to state each of her first two years, Reese is looking for a state championship in multiple events this year as a junior. “As a freshman, the State experience was surreal, and it was really nerve racking. Last year’s State meet I felt more relaxed, and was mentally prepared to compete,” said Stuhlsatz. Running some of the fastest times in 3A for the 100, 200, and 400, she looks to compete yet again this year at state. Her events this year have varied, as she is a dominant competitor no matter what event she is placed in.
Another standout for the girls team is pole vaulter Jewel Gallagher. As a junior, Jewel placed first in class 2A, and looks to follow it up again this year with Garden Plain being moved up to 3A. Jumping 9’6 at state last year, and a season best of 10′ 2” as a senior, she is currently one of the top seeded girls in 3A. Jewel also is a part of a dangerous 4×400 team, which looks to do some damage as a team at state as well. When asked why she loves track so much, Jewel said, “I love track and field because of how dependent it makes me be in my faith in God, and learning to trust Him no matter what.” said Gahllager. “I also love the social aspect of competing with your friends, meeting new people, and building memories that will last me a lifetime.”
With high hopes for their post season success, Garden Plain’s hard work and determination prove to be key factors yet again in their team. Following their competitive finishes at state last year, Garden Plain is a serious competitor to win a team state title, with a number of high individual placings as well. Be on the lookout for some of these standout athletes and more to have a great showing as we near the end of yet another track season.
