By Hayden Swope

After seasons of cancellations and injuries, Hesston’s Carley Bartell is ready to take on her senior season of track and field. 

“I have been a part of some pretty successful teams in my high school career but have never been the star athlete,” Bartell said. “Whereas in track, it’s all on me. No one can throw the discus for me. My freshman year of track was canceled and the summer going into my junior year I had two stress fractures in my back along with a bulging disc. Throwing discus puts my back into extension. While I was and am not pain free, I was able to compete for a full season last spring.”

Bartell spent the offseason staying in shape by playing other sports, knowing that training would help her get the advantage in the spring. 

“I am a three-sport athlete so that leaves very little time to work on technical discus skills outside of season,” Bartell said. “However, I did focus on my quickness throughout the year knowing it would benefit me in the ring.” 

Through her years of experience with track and field, Bartell said the best advice she could give was to just never give up on yourself. 

“There is more events than just running, don’t torture yourself,” Bartell said. “In all seriousness, start by competing against yourself. Throw further, run faster, jump higher and further than the time before. Focusing on personal growth will be rewarding but it will also put you ahead of the competition when the time comes.”

Bartell will be attending Bethel College to continue her studies, and bring her leadership from Hesston High to the community. 

“Next year I will be attending Bethel College to pursue a major in Social Work,” Bartell said. “I plan to get my LCSW after completing my bachelors program and will eventually provide mental health service to my community.”