It’s time to bring it full circle
Cameron Turner Photo
NORWICH – Make it six years in a row that a Norwich thrower – either boy or girl – has advanced to the New York State Championship.
Both a testament to the student-athletes and the coaching staff at Norwich High School – the NHS streak of state-level throwers welcomes their newest member in senior Kara Evans.
“It all started with Brooke (Bonney), then David (Bernstein), then Katelyn (Shaver), then Thomas (Reilly), and now Kara (Evans),” said Norwich throwing coach Tom Stoddard. “So I guess Kara makes six-straight years of a state qualifier.”
Evans qualified for the New York State Championship in Division II girls discus, during the Class B Championship this season – when she launched her personal best throw of 112’. This mark sets Evans in as the 10th seed for DII discus come Friday in Union-Endicott.
“Qualifying for states is something that every high school athlete strives for. I am extremely excited, being able to participate in states as a senior during my final track season is a huge accomplishment,” said Evans. “This (PR of 112’) is a large improvement from last year, primarily because I spend a majority of my time in practice on this event (discus).”
And what makes Evans excel at discus you ask?
Well, if coach Stoddard has any inclination to how his athletes operate – and I bet he does, seeing as he pours hours upon hours of his time to help train Evans and others in the weight room and in the field – he simply claims that, “‘Kara is ‘farmer’ tough. It’s a toughness like none other.”
Stoddard, a 1993 graduate of NHS and member of the Norwich Sports Hall of Fame – was a three sport athlete with a familiar name when talking about Kara Evans. Kara’s father, Keith Evans – who notably can be found down at the Norwich track at each and every Track and Field meet, helping out in some capacity.
“I am very thankful that I have had the opportunity to coach the kids of my best friends. It is a testament to great families we have in this community. The best part is I get to see all of the athletic attributes my buddies had in high school, again through their children. Kind of like a time machine back to 1993,” said coach Stoddard with regard to playing football, wrestling and track and field with Keith and now helping coach Kara to a New York State Championship berth.
Little did she know, but Kara began her trek to qualifying for a state championship in Track and Field, when she first stepped foot on the NHS track as a freshman in high school.
“I first joined the track team my freshman year, thinking I was going to be a runner. Coach Stoddard quickly changed my mind and immediately got me into the weight room. This is where I have spent the majority of my time, as well as the discus and shot put circle, for the past four years. I regularly participate in discus and shot put, with a love for discus,” said Evans. “Prior to high school, I played both soccer and softball, neither of which I was very interested in. With some convincing from coach Stoddard and head coach (Shaun) Horan, I decided to join the track team. This sport allowed me to excel individually, as well as contribute to the success of the team.”
So what does Evans need to do come Friday in Union-Endicott. In order to reach a podium finish in her senior season?
Well, according to coach Stoddard, Evans needs to simply let loose, enjoy the atmosphere and lay it all on the line.
“Kara needs to throw with reckless abandon to make podium at states, not play it safe,” said coach Stoddard. “I really, truly believe champions are made in the off season. What people don’t see with the throwers, and the kids like (Zack) Race and the rest of the 4x100m relay team, is the amount of time they have put in the weight room.”
With the New York Championship happening over two days at Union-Endicott High School, on June 9 and 10, Evans is ensured one final day of practice before it all becomes real on Friday at 1:30 p.m. when the girls DII discus is scheduled to begin.
“With states only a couple days away, I can continue to work with coach Stoddard on my speed and footwork through the circle,” said Evans on what she needs to do to be successful.
Staying focused, staying hungry, yet humble – all while using that ‘farmer’ toughness – is what Kara Evans is all about.
“I would like to thank the coaching staff for a very successful season. I would personally like to thank coach Stoddard for everything he has done for me over the past four years,” said Evans. “Whether it’s in the the weight room, in the circle, or just needing help with anything, coach Stoddard is more than willing to give me advice and lead me in the right direction. A great deal of my success has come from the time and dedication coach Stoddard has put into making me a better athlete.”
It is time to bring it full circle, for Evans.
NORWICH – Make it six years in a row that a Norwich thrower – either boy or girl – has advanced to the New York State Championship.
Both a testament to the student-athletes and the coaching staff at Norwich High School – the NHS streak of state-level throwers welcomes their newest member in senior Kara Evans.
“It all started with Brooke (Bonney), then David (Bernstein), then Katelyn (Shaver), then Thomas (Reilly), and now Kara (Evans),” said Norwich throwing coach Tom Stoddard. “So I guess Kara makes six-straight years of a state qualifier.”
Evans qualified for the New York State Championship in Division II girls discus, during the Class B Championship this season – when she launched her personal best throw of 112’. This mark sets Evans in as the 10th seed for DII discus come Friday in Union-Endicott.
“Qualifying for states is something that every high school athlete strives for. I am extremely excited, being able to participate in states as a senior during my final track season is a huge accomplishment,” said Evans. “This (PR of 112’) is a large improvement from last year, primarily because I spend a majority of my time in practice on this event (discus).”
And what makes Evans excel at discus you ask?
Well, if coach Stoddard has any inclination to how his athletes operate – and I bet he does, seeing as he pours hours upon hours of his time to help train Evans and others in the weight room and in the field – he simply claims that, “‘Kara is ‘farmer’ tough. It’s a toughness like none other.”
Stoddard, a 1993 graduate of NHS and member of the Norwich Sports Hall of Fame – was a three sport athlete with a familiar name when talking about Kara Evans. Kara’s father, Keith Evans – who notably can be found down at the Norwich track at each and every Track and Field meet, helping out in some capacity.
“I am very thankful that I have had the opportunity to coach the kids of my best friends. It is a testament to great families we have in this community. The best part is I get to see all of the athletic attributes my buddies had in high school, again through their children. Kind of like a time machine back to 1993,” said coach Stoddard with regard to playing football, wrestling and track and field with Keith and now helping coach Kara to a New York State Championship berth.
Little did she know, but Kara began her trek to qualifying for a state championship in Track and Field, when she first stepped foot on the NHS track as a freshman in high school.
“I first joined the track team my freshman year, thinking I was going to be a runner. Coach Stoddard quickly changed my mind and immediately got me into the weight room. This is where I have spent the majority of my time, as well as the discus and shot put circle, for the past four years. I regularly participate in discus and shot put, with a love for discus,” said Evans. “Prior to high school, I played both soccer and softball, neither of which I was very interested in. With some convincing from coach Stoddard and head coach (Shaun) Horan, I decided to join the track team. This sport allowed me to excel individually, as well as contribute to the success of the team.”
So what does Evans need to do come Friday in Union-Endicott. In order to reach a podium finish in her senior season?
Well, according to coach Stoddard, Evans needs to simply let loose, enjoy the atmosphere and lay it all on the line.
“Kara needs to throw with reckless abandon to make podium at states, not play it safe,” said coach Stoddard. “I really, truly believe champions are made in the off season. What people don’t see with the throwers, and the kids like (Zack) Race and the rest of the 4x100m relay team, is the amount of time they have put in the weight room.”
With the New York Championship happening over two days at Union-Endicott High School, on June 9 and 10, Evans is ensured one final day of practice before it all becomes real on Friday at 1:30 p.m. when the girls DII discus is scheduled to begin.
“With states only a couple days away, I can continue to work with coach Stoddard on my speed and footwork through the circle,” said Evans on what she needs to do to be successful.
Staying focused, staying hungry, yet humble – all while using that ‘farmer’ toughness – is what Kara Evans is all about.
“I would like to thank the coaching staff for a very successful season. I would personally like to thank coach Stoddard for everything he has done for me over the past four years,” said Evans. “Whether it’s in the the weight room, in the circle, or just needing help with anything, coach Stoddard is more than willing to give me advice and lead me in the right direction. A great deal of my success has come from the time and dedication coach Stoddard has put into making me a better athlete.”
It is time to bring it full circle, for Evans.
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