Grand Forks Central senior Kayla Simpson spent her first three seasons of track and field throwing the shot put with a gliding technique before switching over to a spinning method this spring.
The tweak in form might just spawn a state championship.
Simpson's top throw of 42 feet, 10 inches is the best in the state entering the North Dakota state Class A girls track and field meet, which runs today and Saturday in Bismarck.
"The switch to the spin is really why I've (set personal records) so much this year," said Simpson, who finished fourth at the state meet as a junior. "The spin allows me more time and the momentum it gives me has really helped. After doing well this year, now I want to push farther."
That would mean a state title for Simpson, who is eyeing a 43-foot throw this weekend.
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Simpson's top competition expects to be No. 2 seed Cherae Reeves of West Fargo (42-8¼) and No. 3 seed Danielle Smith of Bismarck Century (41-1).
"She's been throwing really well lately," Central coach Eric Polries said. "She's a consistent thrower. Throughout the season, she's gotten consistently better. She'll hit a new distance then before you know it she'll exceed that by another foot or two."
Simpson's progression has led to interest from college programs.
Simpson said she plans to sign a national letter of intent with North Dakota State soon.
Simpson isn't the only Central competitor with a top seed entering the state meet. Jessica Lindsay boasts the top time in the 800 (2:17.49). Lindsay also has the second-best time in the mile, the fifth-best time in the two-mile and the eighth-best time in the 400.
"(Lindsay) is a really solid athlete that we can put in any event and she'll give 100 percent on the track," Polries said. "She's a real consistent racer and smart racer. When she's ready to make a move, she can play out the field really well. We're looking for big things from her."
Grand Forks Red River also has two girls with No. 1 seeds.
Hadley Steffen leads the way with a top seed in the long jump (18-5½). The sophomore also is the fourth seed in the 100 and the seventh seed in the 200.
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"(Steffen) has been getting better and better every meet," Red River coach Tracey Heisler said. "Hopefully, she can continue that trend."
Red River senior Ashley Zeitvogel is looking to be a repeat state champion in the pole vault. Zeitvogel's top vault of 11 feet this season is a foot higher than the next closest competitor.
The Roughriders also have top-four seeds in Rachel Todhunter (fourth, 300 hurdles), Colie Sabol (fourth, triple jump), Emily Asche (third, javelin) and Zeitvogel (fourth, javelin).
"(Sabol) is a veteran that has performed really well all year," Heisler said.
Heisler said she expects a wide-open race for the team title. Some of the favorites include Bismarck Century, Bismarck High, Minot, Fargo South, Fargo Davies and West Fargo. Red River won the East Region team title last weekend.
"It's going to depend on the day," Heisler said. "I think there are seven or eight teams that have a really viable chance of doing well. It's going to be a dog fight."
Miller reports on sports. Reach him at (701) 780-1121; (800) 477-6572, ext. 121; or send e-mail to tmiller@gfherald.com .
