|
|
Keller dubbed as female Athlete of Month
By George Starks
GREENVILLE- When it comes to putting her best foot forward or in her
case, feet, Wave sophomore Paige Keller is slowly becoming one of the
best sprinters in Darke County.
Recently in a meet with Franklin Monroe and Tri-Village, Keller had a
personal best in the 100 meter dash (13.3) and in the long jump (16-6).
In addition, Keller runs the first leg of the 4x100 relay and pole
vaults for the Lady Wave and Bill Plessinger.
Her exceptional efforts have earned her Athlete of the Month honors for
CNO.
Determined to be the best, Keller’s outlook is an easy one.
“I have a lot of determination,” said Keller. “I’m very competitive and
I work hard at this.”
When most athletes will compete in three events, Keller goes the extra
mile at Greenville doing two field and two track events, excelling in
all four.
Coach signs me up to do what I do and I just go do it,” Keller said
with a laugh. “Sometimes it gets a little chaotic but in the end its
fun because if you don’t do well in one event, you always have another
to fall back on.”
When asked what her favorite event is, Keller said, “People ask me that
a lot. I really don’t have a favorite. I think my best event might be
the 100 meters though.”
According to Coach Bill Plessinger, Keller ranks sixth in the Greater
Western Ohio Conference in the 100 meters but on many occasions this
spring, Keller has blown the competition away.
“When I get in the blocks, I get focused on one thing and that’s the
finish line,” Keller pointed out. “I like to win and finishing second
isn’t an option to me. I know I have a long way to go to be the best in
the conference but I have two more years to get there. When I am ready
to run. I’m happy knowing I gave it my all and I don’t quit until the
race is over. I go out and give it my best every race.”
As a sophomore, Keller was humbled for the recognition.
“This is great,” said Keller. “There are so many great athletes not
only in Greenville but in the county and I was picked. This is amazing
because there are girls like Tammy Berger (Versailles) and Kelly Martin
(Greenville), I really don’t know what to say. I have a lot of respect
for all the athletes in this county that excels and I never thought of
myself as one of them. I never feel like I stand out so if someone sees
me on the same level as them, that’s special to me. This makes my day.”
|
|
|
|
