The filled stadium eyes glare down to focus on Independence Junior Alauna Richardson, who is smiling from ear to ear. She is standing in front of the first place sign with her coach after winning regionals for the discus competition.

Richardson went into the regional meet with the mindset of winning and qualifying for state. She found herself before the meet making sure she stayed relaxed and focused on having fun and beating out the competition.

With all the hours of preparation that Richardson put in, she was still slightly nervous before the meet.

Richardson said she doesn’t  owe her success to herself, but to her coaches (both past and present). 

“I was so happy and proud of myself (for winning regionals) that I couldn’t stop smiling,” she said.

Richardson threw for a total score of 139-10 feet, which was a personal record for herself as well as Independence.

“Keeping up with my goals and loving the sport,” helps her stay motivated, Richardson said. 

Richardson’s mentality has now shifted to the state competition. She is preparing for state by working on lots of footwork, lifting weights, throwing, as well as taking time to recover.

Richardson will compete in the state competition for discus on May 7th in Austin, Texas. She plans and hopes to bring home the first place title to Independence.