Photo by Phil Grove
Today we salute Maura Kimmel of Moniteau. The senior thrower had an impressive career and an especially successful senior season that she capped off with a state title in the discus. Stay tuned throughout the summer as we salute more of the graduating seniors that competed in their careers. Want to submit your own questionnaire? Click here!
What was your most memorable race/competition?
I know the correct response should be winning States in discus my senior year, but to be honest my most memorable meet was a few weeks before that at the Redbank Invitational. I bet Coach Protzman for a trip to Burger King in exchange for a new meet record. At the end of the day he tried to get me to skip the podium and go with the rest of the throwers to get burgers. I convinced him to bring them back for me, but also managed to have the most intense game of rock paper scissors with a freshman in order to win a burger.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
The biggest competition for me was at the Penn Relays. It was different to not go into a meet at the head of the pack. The chance to compete at my future home field was priceless.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
My state discus title was my greatest accomplishment in high school, next to earning the title of my class's valedictorian. Both of those were really large hurdles to overcome, but I was able to take away the first state title in any sport for Moniteau.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
There really isn't anything I would care to change. It would have been nicer if I could've started working with Coach Protzman when I was a freshman, but the two and a half years he coached me were great.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
As Prefontaine once said, "Don't be afraid to give up the good and go for the great." The first two years I competed in track I also played basketball. Even though it was a sport I had played for nearly ten years I had to give it up to take on a much more prosperous future in track. It was a hard decision to make, but I have never regretted it.
Photo by Phil Grove
What will you miss the most? I will definitely miss my coach and fellow throwers. I've only known them for a few years, but they have become a major part of my life.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
My only advice would be to dedicate yourself. There is nothing that hard work and time can't achieve.
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?
Coach Protzman has taught me a lot about dedication and setting goals. He influenced me to set my dreams higher and never give up on them.
What are your college plans?
I will be attending the University of Pennsylvania where I will study chemical engineering. I will also compete for their track and field team.
Shout-outs?
I would like to give shout-out to Coach Ryan Protzman for helping me achieve more than I could've ever imagined was possible.