Flying Past the Finish Line

Spring 2025 Edition

By Elsie Baumann

Klamath Union’s track and field season is one of the most highly anticipated times of the entire year due to its tight-knit environment and the satisfactory reward of competition. The sport is versatile, and it is because of this versatility that so many athletes gravitate towards the opportunity to run, throw, or jump. Under the Coaches’ unparalleled commitment and care, these disciplined athletes practice five days a week and strengthen physically, but also mentally, to prepare for each upcoming meet. 

Hazel Squibb, a Junior at KU, is an exceptional hybrid athlete who both high jumps and runs. Her high-jumping journey began in middle school at a summer camp, and she has been pursuing higher heights ever since with the support of her family, coaches, and friends. When asked about her favorite aspect of high jumping, Squibb states, “I love the feeling of clearing the heights and having those perfect jumps that feel like I’m flying.” The event is very technical, but this has never proven a challenge for Squibb as her explosive energy and precision have allowed her to compete at State two years in a row. Squibb reflects, “There have been so many barriers that I have broken through since I started high jumping, and it’s helped me grow and learn that whatever happens, happens.” This year, she completely surpassed her previous State height of 4’11.75’ by jumping 5’4” on the second day of the 4th Annual Phoenix Invitational. In addition to these incredible achievements, Squibb has also won the 800-meter at Districts for the last two years, allowing her to compete at State in yet another event. Her agility and drive enable her to excel in both mid-distance and sprinting events, making her an indispensable member of the team. 

Madeline Smith, another accomplished Junior, has been KU’s star thrower for two consecutive years, with her strength and talent sending her straight to State last year. Discus and shot put are events of power, but also of balance and strategy. Smith has been throwing since elementary school and has mastered this all by training hard in-season and off-season with specially designed workouts. As evidenced by her phenomenal throwing distances, her work has paid off. Smith explains, “I get very focused before I throw… I have to make sure I take the steps right and get enough momentum without falling out of the ring.” Her strong core and unwavering determination allow her to generate maximum force during a throw, letting her dominate the competition, such as in the Skyline Track Meet, where she placed first with a shot put PR of 30’9”. She expresses, “I love all my events equally… I would say that the part I love most is spending time with my teammates and meeting lots of interesting people at track meets”. On account of this, Smith’s dedication to perfection and connection with her fellow teammates have transformed her into an unstoppable athlete with limitless potential. 

These two athletes are amazing examples of the work ethic that the KU track and field team strives for. The time and effort they have put into their events is a direct reflection of their ambition for success. Not only are they competitive, but they are also supportive, and they are always using their compassion and positivity to uplift other athletes, uniting the team as a flock.