Athlete of the Month | March
Kelsey Mckenna
Do you hear that soft pitter patter? It sounds like the hands of several people giving Kelsey Mckenna the best golf clap that the world has ever seen. Kelsey Mckenna is hands down one of the best golfers at Air Academy; just last year she was able to secure several varsity victories and was placed on Pikes Peak Athletic Conference (4A) first team along with teammate Katie Ryall. Yet these accomplishments don’t even scratch the surface of Kelsey McKenna; last year – as a sophomore – Kelsey easily rivaled Pine Creek senior Mary Kate Nelson, defending State Champ, and stole several wins from her. This year, Kelsey is gunning to win Regionals and PPAC as well as wanting to place in the top 5 at State, which is totally doable in her case. I can say this with confidence because Kelsey has been hitting the green ever since 3rd grade, when her dad got her into it, and she says, “I always loved the putting green.” “I practice for an insane amount of time – I actually practice more than I play,” Kelsey says, which is why she was able to have her best round of 71 (a par is 72). She also puts in a lot of work because playing golf in a D1 college is what Kesley is aiming for and she has a lot of golfing legends to look up to, like Rory Mcilroy and Lexi Thompson. Not only is she a golf pro, but she is also a great student who, of course, is extremely smart (and that really helps with golf). During her free time she completes her homework and works on those golf strokes, as well as participating in Forensics, Robotics, FBLA and AAVO. Kelsey, on behalf of all of Air Academy, we can’t wait to see the great things that you can accomplish. FORE!
Bailey Sexton
I want everybody to just stop what they are doing and take a moment to appreciate everything that is Bailey Sexton, especially that running form. Bailey has been turning heads ever since 8th grade when he decided to participate in track for the first time, where he was the best in his class. Ever since then, Bailey practices every day by either lifting, sprinting, or practicing his technique and form. He is so good that he definitely has the potential to run in college, preferably Oklahoma University. Bailey doesn’t just take all the credit for being amazing, he also gives credit to his coach and father. “Coach Whitaker is always there to keep pushing me and I appreciate that a lot,” says Bailey, “and my dad ran in high school and college and I appreciate that too because he knows what he is doing and always gives me pointers here and there.” When asked what his goals are for this track season, he immediately answered by saying, “I definitely want to go to state this year in the 400 and place in the top three.” This feat is totally in his reach. Apart from just running the 400, Bailey also runs the 100, 200, 400, 4×2, 4×4 and the 4×1. This past winter season and into the spring season, Bailey also made the varsity Boys’ Basketball team where they experienced a great season. Bailey is not just a “sprinter” – he is an athlete.
His personal records in his open events are:
400m: 50.4
200m: 23.4
100m:11.3
Bailey you can bet that we will all be cheering for you because you are honestly the best of the best.
