For Hobart senior Katelyn Blevins, the love of running and jumping may have started when she was a young girl, but developed into a full blown obsession for her in the seventh grade. 

“I love it because of the adrenaline rush, and the numerous amount of places where I can better myself,” Blevins said. “It is an individual and team sport. There is a place for everyone to contribute to the team. It’s the most universal sport.” 

As far as the team aspect goes, Blevins said they’re having a fantastic season. 

“We’re currently ranked number two in 2A,” she said. “Our 4×1 and 4×2 (relay teams) are both ranked number one in 2A. Our 4×2 has broken the school record three times this year. Our team is a very cohesive unit and we all continually strive to contribute points to the team. We’re all open to new ideas and perform various events to help the team succeed.” 

As a senior, Blevins said she recognizes that many of the younger players on the team look up to her for guidance, and she said that’s not a new feeling for her. 

“When I was a freshman I looked up to many of the upperclassmen and I wanted to give that same experience to the underclassmen,” she said. “I enjoy helping younger kids to learn a new event or give them pointers to help them improve and excel. I mainly help underclassmen with high jump. I have done high jump since my seventh grade year. I watch them in practice and give them advice on how to improve in certain areas.” 

Even in her free time, Blevins said she’s always busy working on something school related. 

“I stay pretty hooked up through agriculture,” she said. “I am very active in FFA and show lambs. I spend countless hours in the barn everyday. I am our FFA chapter’s president and have been an officer for the past three years. I am also on the American Farmers and Ranchers State Advisory Council, which keeps my schedule full. These activities take up most of my free time.”