KC thrower has high hopes for first-ever state meet appearance

AZTEC, N.M.

Around this time last year Kirtland Central High School junior Megan Silversmith was still getting her feet wet as javelin thrower.

Back then, Silversmith found that she had a niche in the javelin and discus throwing events for the girl’s track and field team, but never really had her eye on competing at the state level.

That was just over a year ago, and Silversmith was still finding her way, but now she’s eyeing her first shot on the big stage.

“I feel really confident in myself because I’ve been practicing,” she said. “I’ve been practicing really hard, I’m getting closer and closer.”

During the Aztec Invitational held April 24-25, Silversmith placed fourth in the javelin event with a throw of 95 feet, 8 inches. In the discus she threw 84 feet, 8 inches and did not place.

Silversmith is about six inches away from the qualifying 103 feet in the javelin and needs a 98-foot throw to qualify in the discus; 93 feet is her best throw so far.

With just two meets left, she’s confident it will happen.

“I have a good possibility of qualifying, I know I can do it,” she confessed.

Kirtland Central head girl’s track coach Leland Adair agreed.

Adair said Silversmith has come a long way from her days as a newbie in the field events.

“She’s definitely improved, she’s just a couple inches away for qualifying. We’re hoping we can get it done by district,” he said. “She’s a hard worker, puts forth some good effort and a great young lady.”

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