Girls’ Track: Kelley Shines in Rainy Weather, Places 7th, Earns Medal

By: Nathan Bloechl — sports@kilj.com 

Des Moines — It wasn’t the most perfect conditions, but when it’s been 735 days between the 2019 State Track meet and the 2021 edition — and you’re a senior — does it really matter?

For Mount Pleasant senior Grace Kelley, it was just another day.

Kelley threw a day-best of 124 feet, six inches good enough for 7th place earning herself a medal in the 3A girls’ discus, in her first and only state track appearance.

I was definitely a little bit nervous, but I just wanted to come out and compete to the best of my abilities and looking to have fun” Kelley said.

With her medal draped around her neck and a smile from ear-to-ear, it sure seemed like mission accomplished for the Panther discus ace.

I am pretty excited, yeah. I haven’t been here before so it’s good to come out and do well – in the only year I can go feels great.”

Kelley was a second place, runner-up finisher at last week’s state qualifying meet, placing second to Davenport Assumption senior Anna Wohlers.

She credited her throws coach Shawn Striegel for calming her nerves and helping her make adjustments prior to today, so she could just “let it rip.”

Coach Striegel and I have a [great] relationship. He’s coached my brothers and I get on myself pretty hard. He does well to mellow that out and get me back to focus.” 

Kelley now will cheer on her teammate Jadan Brumbaugh, who will compete in the girls’ shot put finals Friday morning at 9:00 a.m.