Boulder Running Company/Colorado Track XC Athletes of the Week
Kaela Edwards - Littleton
Daniel Weirich - Eads
Special to Colorado Track XC by Dan Betz
Week 3
CSAP Question: What do the numbers 58, 1517, and 1 have in common? Please use a #2 pencil, write legibly, and stay within the box. You may begin.
The answer, of course, to this question is the school enrollment numbers and rankings of our latest Boulder Running Company/Colorado Track XC Athletes of the Week. Daniel Weirich attends Eads (enrollment 58), and Kaela Edwards attends Littleton (enrollment 1517).
Last Saturday at the Lamar Invitational sophomore Daniel Weirich put the shot 53-4.75 and threw the disc 152-11 to win both events. Daniel’s shot put mark ranks him first in the state of Colorado in that event.
Daniel comes to each meet with a combination of confidence, humility, desire, and faith that has helped the Eads track program compete with much larger 2A schools even though their enrollment places them at the 1A level. Daniel says, “I think it was that we all felt that we can compete at the 2A level. I placed third last year in both shot and discus…Eads can compete at the 2A level just fine.”
Daniel has been working hard since the end of the basketball season in the weight room, using CSU’s in-season training program, and has received thorough instruction from his high school throwing coach and CSU alum, Trey Eder.
Daniel believes that one of his strengths is that he receives excellent coaching from a legacy of the program.
“The advantage for me is still my coach. He went to school in Eads and currently holds the high school shot put record that I want to break this year. I work hard in every practice and in the weight room; if you want to be the best it takes a lot of time and hard work.”
While Daniel was cementing his mark as the top shot putter in the state, junior Kaela Edwards was dabbling in a new event, the 800 meters, at the Runners Roost of Fort Collins meet. Her victory in the two-lap sprint currently places her at the top of the state and national rankings with a time of 2:11.59.
Although Kaela has run anchor leg on Littleton’s 3200m relay, she had never run the open 800. When asked about her race Kaela said, “The part of the race I liked the best was my finish. I felt strong even though I was tired. There isn't anything I disliked, it's a fun race.” As evidenced by the discussion the Colorado Track XC message boards, Kaela’s 800m stunned all who watched.
Kaela’s newly earned celebrity status in the 800m has been met with humility and grace, “It feels great and hard to believe that it's me!”
In addition to Kaela’s spectacular run in the 800, she also ran legs on Littleton’s powerhouse 4x200 (1:42.92) and 4x400 (3:56.54) relay teams.
“The 4x400 meter relay--it’s the event we're known for. It's the most exciting race, and the best part of all is when the team gathers around the last 150 or so meters and yells as you pass. It is amazing having everyone there. It really pushes you to GOOO!”
With personal records of 57.85 in the 400m and 45.33 in 300m hurdles Kaela can now add that incredible 800 to her list of spectacular performances. The list of times is even more incredible when we stop to realize that she has only been running track for two years.
Great job Daniel Weirich and Kaela Edwards for representing the state of Colorado so well last week. Best wishes to both of you from the Colorado Track XC community.
STOP. You may put down your pencils.