Cameron Turner Photo
NORWICH – Make it six years in a row that a Norwich thrower – either boy or girl – has advanced to the New York State Championship.
Both a testament to the student-athletes and the coaching staff at Norwich High School – the NHS streak of state-level throwers welcomes their newest member in senior Kara Evans.
“It all started with Brooke (Bonney), then David (Bernstein), then Katelyn (Shaver), then Thomas (Reilly), and now Kara (Evans),” said Norwich throwing coach Tom Stoddard. “So I guess Kara makes six-straight years of a state qualifier.”
Evans qualified for the New York State Championship in Division II girls discus, during the Class B Championship this season – when she launched her personal best throw of 112’. This mark sets Evans in as the 10th seed for DII discus come Friday in Union-Endicott.
“Qualifying for states is something that every high school athlete strives for. I am extremely excited, being able to participate in states as a senior during my final track season is a huge accomplishment,” said Evans. “This (PR of 112’) is a large improvement from last year, primarily because I spend a majority of my time in practice on this event (discus).”
And what makes Evans excel at discus you ask?
Well, if coach Stoddard has any inclination to how his athletes operate – and I bet he does, seeing as he pours hours upon hours of his time to help train Evans and others in the weight room and in the field – he simply claims that, “‘Kara is ‘farmer’ tough. It’s a toughness like none other.”
Stoddard, a 1993 graduate of NHS and member of the Norwich Sports Hall of Fame – was a three sport athlete with a familiar name when talking about Kara Evans. Kara’s father, Keith Evans – who notably can be found down at the Norwich track at each and every Track and Field meet, helping out in some capacity.
