Outlaws Athlete Spotlight

While high school sports have been topsy-turvy due to the coronavirus pandemic, athletes continue to step up into leadership roles.

Coaches singled out track athlete Shelby Larson and soccer player Simon Rhett for the Outlaws Athlete Spotlight.

“Shelby Larson epitomizes what can be accomplished as a scholar/athlete throughout her school career without skimping on the other facets of scholarship, exemplary character and service,” said Assistant Coach Jim Anderson. “She is a role model without pretense, willing to help others as they try to emulate her example. She presently carries a 3.9-plus GPA and is the 2020-21 student body president.”

She placed second when she was a freshman and won the Far West League pole vault title last year, going on to tie for third at the state meet.

“Shelby does not complain about our lost season, but has instead set high goals for her senior year,” Anderson said. “With this season yet to unfold, she well could challenge our school record, as well as a state meet title.”

He concluded: “Coaching this fine young lady has been such a joy to her coaches: she often takes the next step before it is even explained. Go, Shelby!”

Coach Kevin Eckert praised Rhett’s leadership.

“He organized summer trainings and motivated a group of kids to come out for soccer, and more impressively, fitness training over the summer and into the early fall,” he said. “As we coaches had to be very ‘hands-off’ (and can’t push kids to participate) given the current times, I was glad to see Simon and a few other kids consistently training, and spreading the word to get other kids involved. And, from what I saw, they were being responsible and pretty darn safe — impressive for kids this age.”

As Simon is also friends with my boys, I’ve gotten to know him well this last year plus. He’s hardworking (often gets up ungodly early to work in mom’s bakery!) and balances school and other life commitments very well. He’s a really outstanding young man.