Spoto's first state qualifier places sixth

A week ago, Shakea Kindred was the first track and field athlete from Spoto -- boys and girls -- to qualify for the state championships after placing first in the girls shot put at regional.

Today at the Class 2A state finals, Kindred's final throw of 36-06.50 was good enough for a sixth-place finish. The throw was a personal best for the Spoto junior.

"I'm happy, very happy," Kindred said. "I'll be back next year, and I'll place even higher."

Kindred has been competing in the shot put on-and-off since the sixth grade. She also throws the discuss and placed at the regional meet but not high enough to qualify for states.

-- BRYAN BURNS