Zgaynor overachieves as first-year javelin thrower

One Poplar Bluff High athlete stepped outside her comfort zone and exceeded all expectations as a first-year javelin thrower.

During her first full season as a track and field javelin thrower, incoming senior Kennedy Zgaynor placed 4th at the MSHSAA Class 5 state track meet with a final distance of 39.09m.

Heading to state for the first time and being a newbie in the sport seems overwhelming, but Zgaynor said it took a different type of focus that helped her get prepared for the meet.

“When I first arrived at the state meet, the jittery feelings were definitely there,” Zgaynor said. “I think it’s important to be very optimistic and have a level head in that type of situation. The other competitors were really eager to offer me comfort at that time, which was pretty admirable because you don’t see that a lot. Overall, it was just a good experience all around.”

During her trip to state, Zgaynor was named All-Conference, All-District and was the previous javelin record holder for PBHS.

As a basketball and softball player, Zgaynor had no interest in competing in track and field when the idea presented itself. With a little push from girl’s track and field coach Beth Lewis, she decided to take it more seriously and get javelin a shot.

“I just give her a lot of praise and credit for allowing me to be more comfortable in my first year of track. I will forever be grateful for it because I really enjoy it,” Zgaynor said.

Coach Lewis said Zgaynor learned javelin extremely well with the amount of time she’s had to learn and that she’s willing to put in the time and effort that is needed to make a great athlete.

Besides the push from Coach Lewis, Zgaynor said the additional help from Coach (Jessica) Hill and Coach (Tony) Kirkley made all her achievements possible.

As a newbie on the Poplar Bluff track and field team, Kennedy Zgaynor was named All-Conference, All-District and All-State, and was the previous javelin record holder for PBHS. Zgaynor placed 4th at the state meet with a final distance of 39.09.Submitted Photo - Lybby Mannon

“Coach Kirkley really helped me by understanding both the physical and mental parts of track and field,” she said. He provided an exceptional strength and conditioning program for the team. He also had very good advice and gave great mentorship to put me in the best position to excel at that state level. In my first year, all my coaches helped me grow, and it’s something I will always appreciate.”

Since stepping into javelin, Zgaynor said there’s sometimes a misconception about the sport and that it involves more than just throwing a spear. It requires a lot of different techniques and endurance, which she is still working to get better at. Despite getting frustrated at times, Zgaynor said it will make her better in the end.

Regardless of making it to the state meet in the javelin, Zgaynore is grateful for the opportunity but believes the job still needs to be completed.

“I’m still not perfect at this sport at all, but I’m just going to keep working at it,” Zgaynore said. “I don’t think the job is finished for me. I felt really honored to be out there with those talented athletes, but I’m ready to prepare for the next year.

My job as an incoming senior is to give 110% and have integrity throughout anything because I want to be a good leader for the younger class. I want to be a mentor to them on and away from track. My goal is to be a good leader mentally and physically for the team.”