Two super sophomore throwers head into District competition Saturday

by Bill Althaus, Grain Valley News

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When it comes to the javelin competition at Grain Valley High School, two super sophomores are making quite a name for themselves.

Madison Rust earned her sixth gold medal at Monday's Suburban White Conference meet with a throw of 41.79 meters while Molly Jones finished third with a 35.94 effort.

The dynamic duo has either earned either first or second in four meets this season and believe the best is yet to come. The Eagles will wrap up a busy week when they take part in the Class 5 District 7 track and field championship Saturday at Lee's Summit North High School and they are eager to continue their successful season.

The conference meet at Belton was supposed to take place last Friday, but rain postponed the meet until Monday.

“I don't really care that we only have four days to get ready for district,” said Rust, who also plays softball, basketball and is a wide receiver/quarterback on the flag football team.

“We've rearranged our schedule a little bit, and that's fine. All our throwers are ready to go. It was great to have so much success at conference, but now, it's district time and we want to do our best.”

Jones, who also plays softball and swims, agrees.

"I look forward to competition at our meets because I compete against the No. 1 javelin thrower in the state every day at practice,” Jones said, referring to Rust. “And while our success is great, the friendship we've developed is even better."

“We've played softball together the past two seasons, but Madison is a center fielder and I'm a pitcher, so we don't have the connection we do with the javelin.

“Now. We're friendly rivals and really good friends. I don't know if we would have had our friendship if it hadn't been for track and field.”

Rust agreed, adding, “We talked some in softball, but like she said, we're together every day practicing or competing with the javelin, and we love it!"

“I think she makes me a better thrower, and I'd like to think I make her a better thrower because we're competing against each other.

“We get serious when it comes time to practice, and all the other times we're having fun, talking to each other and waiting for another big throw.”
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Senior Alyssa Carver is the No. 1 pole vaulter in the state with a 3.75 meter effort. She holds the Eagles school record in the vault and ranks among the top 100 prep vaulters in the nation.

Madison Rust, left, and Molly Jones finished first and third, respectively, in Monday's Suburban White Conference Track and Field Championship. The Eagles' super sophs are hoping to enjoy more success Saturday at district competition at Lee's Summit North High School. Photo courtesy Grain Valley High School track and field team. 
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