Top Ten Scotties Push Each Other To New Heights

Competition breeds improvement in sports and this track and field season is proving to be no different for four Glasgow Scotties.

Chaz Gordon, Kori Meiers, Jami Johnson and Josie Braaten have all broken the into the top ten in the state. Gordon and Meiers earned top ten in the javelin and Johnson and Braaten placed top ten in the 3,200-meter run.

“I thought [making top ten] was pretty exciting,” said Braaten.

But Braaten was the only one to seem to relish the distinction. And rightfully so given Braaten is only a freshman; top ten in the state is a marvelous accomplishment for anybody, let alone somebody so young. 

That’s not to say that the other three didn’t enjoy it, but their main focus was elsewhere.

Gordon and Johnson, both seniors, came into this season expecting to perform very well in those particular events as Johnson was the state champion in the 3,200 last season and Gordon placed sixth at state last year in the javelin. 

“I expected myself to be [in the top ten],” said Gordon.

Johnson felt the same, expressing that it’s a good sign to begin the season but her ultimate goal still lies before her, a repeat state championship.

What wasn’t expected was that they would be pushed so hard this early in the season by newcomers Meiers and Braaten. Meiers is a senior but is competing in track and field for the very first time.

Meiers was a die-hard football player whose season had come to an end and he didn’t have anything else to do.

It took some persuasion from track and field teammate and fellow javelin thrower Andy Gardner, but Meiers finally committed to track and field.

But the competition has bred improvement, according to Gordon and Johnson. They expressed that it drives them to throw or run better, to work on certain areas and to train harder.

It’s definitely friendly competition between Gordon and Meiers and Johnson and Braaten, but it’s still the drive to compete that makes them better.

“My main goal is to get that team hardware . . . but it’s nice to beat [Meiers] every once in awhile, though,” said Gordon.

The sentiment was the same for Johnson and Braaten who respected each other’s accomplishments and admitted to some friendly rivalry but that it’s not something they are gunning for during the meets. 

But there is no denying that the competition has made them better. Last year, Gordon threw a 155- 3 at state. He is now at 170 feet on a regular basis. He was expected to improve regardless but the added incentive of chasing Meiers has led to some better throws from Gordon. 

While Johnson probably does not have to worry about her Glasgow long distance title being taken from her, knowing that Braaten and teammate Emma Fewer are right behind her will give her that extra step or two to finish races strong.

And I am betting that all four pushing each other leads to a strong finish for all of them this season.