Avery Koch wanted to win all spring. That was the mindset the Brownstown Central senior brought to her final prep track and field season.
Her drive and determination led her to many heights, and as a result, Koch has been named The Tribune’s Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year.
“She really wanted to win all season,” head coach Maria Conklin said. “She knew her potential. She wanted to make state. That was her goal throughout the season. She gave it her all, and she helped other throwers, as well. Just a really positive attitude.”
Koch accomplished her goal of making it to the state meet for the first time in her career. En route to getting to Ben Davis High School on June 5, Koch was the sectional champion in both the shot put and discus, and she was the regional champion in discus to qualify for state in that event.
Koch’s throw of 135’3” at regional was her best throw of the season, and it came very close to the Brownstown school record of 138’2”.
“I think all her hard work paid off,” Conklin said. “She believed in what her coaches had told her, and we were really excited to see her make state.”
Koch didn’t do as well as she wanted to at the state meet, finishing 12th place overall. But her successful season earned her a spot on the Indiana All-Star team.
The senior Brave competed in the All-Star meet June 12 at Oliver College in Olivet, Michigan. The Indiana All-Stars squared off against the Michigan All-Stars in the meet, and Koch threw both shot put and discus.
“It was really cool,” Conklin said. “It was fun for her to see some farther throws and be in that environment.”
At Brownstown’s postseason banquet, Koch was named the team’s most valuable and also received the most outstanding field event award.
Koch will continue her throwing career in college, as well. She is committed to throwing at Belmont University and will head there in the fall to study nursing, where she hopes to get her doctorate in five years.
“It was tons of fun (coaching Koch),” Conklin said. “Any time you have an athlete that’s willing to work and put in the time, that’s all you can ask for. We’re really excited for her future and can’t wait to see what she does at Belmont the next four years.”
2021 Girls Track and Field All-County Team:
Avery Koch, Brownstown Central, Sr.: sectional champion in shot put and discus, regional champion in discus, state qualifier, Indiana All-Star.
Camryn Thompson, Brownstown Central, So.: sectional runner-up in 100 hurdles and 300 hurdles, regional qualifier.
Brooke Trinkle, Seymour, So.: sectional champion in 4×800, 1600, 800 and 4×400, regional champion in 1600, state qualifier.
Lara Skaggs, Seymour, Sr.: sectional champion in 100 hurdles and pole vault, regional qualifier.
Hayley Harpe, Seymour, Jr.: sectional champion in 4×800, 400 and 4×400, regional qualifier.
Vivienne Siefker, Seymour, Fr.: sectional champion in 4×800, sectional runner-up in 3200, regional qualifier.
Kaylyn Holman, Crothersville, Jr.: sectional champion in 3200, sectional runner-up in 1600, set school record in 1600 and 3200, regional qualifier.
Kennadi Lakins, Crothersville, Jr.: conference champion in high jump, tied for third in sectional in high jump, regional qualifier.
Honorable mention: Jazz Yeadon, Brownstown Central, Jr. (4×100, 400); Ella Plasse, Crothersville, Jr. (1600, 3200); Samantha Jacobi, Seymour, Jr. (4×800, 800); Lillian Sunbury, Seymour, Jr. (1600); Jamya Miller, Seymour, Sr. (100, 4×100); Kaleigh Maschino, Seymour, Sr. (100, 4×100, 200); Sydney Montgomery, Seymour, Fr. (400, 4×400); Addison Lemon, Seymour, So. (4×100, 200, 4×400); Hannah Dart, Seymour, Fr. (shot put, discus); Anna Marks, Seymour, Fr. (4×100).