In order to motivate themselves this season, Megan Kelley and her Camas track and field teammates borrowed a phrase made famous by Steve Prefontaine.
“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.”
Megan Kelley did not sacrifice her gift, giving her all for Camas and her sport.
Kelley, who graduated Friday, completed her high school career with an amazing senior season. Kelley won a Class 3A state championship in the 400-meter run, took second place in the 200, finished sixth in the 100 — a new event for her — and was part of the second-place team in the 1,600-meter relay.
That’s 29 of her team’s 37 points, and Camas finished fourth as a team.
She also had one of the best marks in the state in the long jump before opting to run the 100 at district, bi-district, and state.
For her outstanding performance, Kelley has been named The Columbian’s All-Region girls track and field athlete of the year.
The top moment for her was her championship in the grueling 400. In the past, she said she struggled with her finishes, hitting a wall toward the end of the race.
At the state meet, she held off a late charge. She said she could feel her opponent getting closer.
“Oh my gosh, you gotta cross the line now, you’ve got to cross the line now,” she recalled thinking.
“I had this feeling of excitement, achievement, and relief,” Kelley said.
A little less than an hour later, she had a season-best time in the 200, finishing second. The relay team also posted its best time of the season.
“Always good to end state with a high note,” she said.
“I thought this was a really super season. Not just for me, but for the team, too.”
Kelley is not finished with track and field, though. She has signed with Boise State.
Kelley is not sure what she wants to study, but she does know that she wants to coach one day.
As a coach, Kelley can teach others about giving their best.
