Two Warrenton track and field athletes – Avery Shaw and Marcus Greene – recently competed at the Class 4 Track and Field State Championships on May 30-31 at Adkins Stadium in Jefferson City. 

While neither walked away with a medal, the experience was one that was special to each of them. 

Shaw, a senior, competed in the girls shot put and discus throw. She placed 12th in the shot put with a throw of 10.87 meters on May 30 and 16th in the discus in 32.24 meters the following day. 

Greene, who competed at state for the first time, placed 12th in the shot put with 14.88 meters. 

“The state meet was a success for all our kids. I don’t think a lot of people in general understand what a state track meet looks like – it’s an impressive event and it’s a very grand stage,” coach Mark Thomas said. 

Throwing coach John Jeskey added that while they did not walk away with any medalists in the throwing events, it’s still an honor for them to be among the top 16 athletes to qualify for state. 

“We had a great season and it didn’t quite end the way we were hoping for, but it’s a great place to keep on building and try to get more and more athletes year in and year out,” Jeskey said. 

As Shaw headed into the meet, she was thrilled to compete for the second time in her career. 

“I was really excited especially because it was senior year and I knew my throwing coach would be with me this year,” Shaw said. 

Shaw noted the competition became much more fierce her second time around. 

“I knew I was ranked pretty good in both events but after day one, I realized the competition is so much more than I’ve seen all season, it really took me by surprise with how competitive it was,” Shaw said. 

Shaw’s goal was to make a trip to the awards podium. While she did emphasize the results were not what she envisioned, she cherished the experience. 

“I got 12th and 16th, which is not what I wanted, but I keep reminding myself, I’m 12th and 16th in the state of Missouri and only 16 people made it there out of the whole state,” Shaw said. 

She added her experience at state was memorable. 

“Hanging out with the team, going to putt putt, meeting all these new people and watching some of the crazy things people did at state was really the best part,” Shaw said. “I swear I became best friends with some people and I didn’t even know their names, but we talked for so long.” 

Greene, who is a sophomore, competed in a pool with only four other underclassmen. 

“I had a little bit of nerves but it started to go away once I got a decent throw out,” Greene said.

Greene’s state appearance was the result of a dedicated season and offseason in which he focused on improving his spin technique and strength. 

He achieved a personal best 15.1 meters this season — a significant milestone after setting a goal of 14 meters at the start. 

“It was definitely worth it. I knew I probably wasn’t going to place, but I really wanted to come (to the state meet) this year,” Greene said. “It was a great opportunity.” 

Competing at state gave Greene a sense of what it takes to compete at the highest level. 

“(State) can be intimidating especially to an underclassmen, but being able to see that as an underclassmen and then come back season after season, it can really calm you down and you’re more than likely to hit your best marks,” Jeskey said. 

Throughout the season, Jeskey was consistently impressed by both of his athletes. 

“They had this desire to learn more. They were two of my athletes that were sticking around the longest in practice, almost to the point where I had to tell them we need to limit the amount of throws they’re taking,” Jeskey said. 

As for Greene, Jeskey has high hopes for his future. 

“He has the physical skill set necessary to get back to the state competition year in and year out,” Jeskey said. “Next year, the goal for him will not only be to get there, but to medal and be an all-state thrower.” 

Greene shared the same goal. 

“Hopefully, I can place next year and be a medalist,” he said. 

While Shaw is a senior, her mark on the program had been made long before the state meet. Shaw will leave with three school records in hand – the shot put record, javelin record and record for most points scored by both boys and girls. 

In addition, she holds five GAC North conference championship titles. 

“A lot of people when they think about the sports at the school, they think of football or softball –  no one really thinks of track,” Shaw said. “Breaking all the records and making people more aware really means a lot. We have good people and we’re showing that we have good competitors too.” 

Jeskey added Shaw’s presence will be missed. 

“She’s like having another coach in the throwing area. She helps out with the younger throwers and it’s gotten to the point that she can identify what she’s doing wrong the second she releases the shot put or discus, and she’s able to correct that and give that feedback to other athletes,” Jeskey said. 

While Shaw’s time as a Warrior has come to a close, her career has not as she will be heading to Lindenwood University in the fall to continue her legacy. 

“I’m excited for the future and what’s going to happen. I know I’ll see a lot of the competitors at state in the OVC when I’m at Lindenwood, which is fun and I’ll have some recognizable faces, but I don’t really want to compete against them,” Shaw joked.