By GEORGE KUNKE
Raymond junior high eighth grader Karlee Freeman is currently the number 1 ranked discus thrower in the country in the middle school ranks based on the marks entered into Athletic.net, according to Raymond Middle School Head Track and Field Coach Mike Tully.
“She has been consistently over 110 feet this year, with a best of 114-8,” Tully told the Herald. “This would rank her third in the state in the 2B ranks at the high school level.
“Karlee's mom, Briana, won a state title in the discus, and her uncle, Denny Freeman, also won a state title in the discus, and is the school record holder,” Tully said.
“Karlee works very hard at the disc, often staying late after practice to get more throws in,” Tully said. “She still struggles a bit with her release, and if she can get that down, she could easily add 10-plus feet. Karlee is an excellent all-around athlete, as she has the top marks in the junior high league in the 100, 200, and 100 hurdles – all by rather large margins.”
The Raymond junior high team has a meet at North Beach on Wednesday, and then competes at the sub-league competition at South Bend on May 12. The league meet is May 15 at North Beach.