Jaden Withrow earns Best of the West triple jump honors

Kimball High sophomore Jaden Withrow proved he was the Best in the West at the Best in the West Classic Track and Field Meet held at Scottsbluff Bearcat Stadium this past week, winning the triple jump with a hop-skip-jump of 42'2.5."

He didn't waste any time as all of the 8 contestants were allowed only 4 jumps each and Jaden sailed out on his winning jump on his first attempt. He was Kimball's only gold medal winner on the day and was one of two who were presented to the crowd on the award podium where the top three in every event were awarded medals. Trent Rutledge was Kimball's other medal winner taking 3rd in the pole vault at 11'6," a foot off his usual height, but still the third best vault on the day.

On an evening with near perfect weather, the athletes put on a show for the fans. Niobrara County's Martin Fitzwater broke a 14 year old Best in the West record in the boys shotput with his heave of 59'7.25" and was named Male Athlete of the meet. Celeste Cardona of Mitchell was voted Female Athlete of the meet winning both the 1600 and 3200 meter runs and running legs on Mitchell's record breaking 4x400 relay team that clocked 4:04.29. She also ran a leg on Mitchell's winning 4x100 relay team for an outstanding night.

Other Kimball performers who finished in the top 6 were the Biesecker sisters with Hannah finishing 4th in the long jump at 15'5.5" and Madison 5th at 15'5." Ali Hunsaker was 6th in the pole vault at 7'6" and 6th in the 200 in 28.11. Jaden Withrow was 5th in the long jump at 20'5," and Jon Withrow was 5th in the triple jump at 40'7.5." Colton Stull ran 6th in the 100 meter dash in 11.29, and the 4x100 relay team of Stull, the Withrow brothers, and Ryan Muneio ran 6th in 45.41.

It was a great experience for all of the athletes involved and a chance for track fans to see the best in action without a long trip east.