Freshman attends Junior Olympic Games

James Mapes and Katie Dolberry • September 17, 2020

Freshmen Kailey Littlefield prepares for a run. Littlefield attended the Amateur Athlete Union this past summer.

In the beginning of August, freshman and varsity track runner Kailey Littlefield attended the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Junior Olympic Games in Satellite Beach, Fla.

“Before the race, I was feeling very nervous but also excited because I hadn’t raced all summer,” Kailey said. “I was also excited because I knew there was going to be some super tough competition, and I was going to have to run a new PR.”

The COVID-19 pandemic affected some athletes’ ability to continue training, but Kailey was able to continue working.

“Being out of state during a pandemic didn’t bother me because we were very good about social distancing and wearing a mask,” Kailey said. “We’ve done a very good job about keeping ourselves and others safe.”

In August, freshman Kailey Littlefield attended Junior Olympic Games through AAU, a program dedicated to the development of amateur sports and their athletes (Courtesy of Kailey Littlefield)

Kailey’s summer training with her Lovejoy teammates gave her an endurance foundation. She also did speed workouts once or twice a week.

“I got to train all summer with my cross country team as well as doing speed work with Mia Reaugh (an eighth grader who also competed at the AAU meet),” Kailey said. “I was able to up my mileage while working on my speed at the same time“Overall, my training this summer was very well planned thanks to Coach Littlefield.”

The AAU track meet is dedicated to the promotion and development of amateur sports programs and their athletes. Kailey finished first in the 800 meter with a time of 2:12 and second in the 1500 meter with a time of 4:35, which was her personal best by 10 seconds.

“We knew Kailey was going to have a fantastic competitor in the 1500 meter run,” Carly Littlefiled, Kailey’s mom and coach said. “The biggest focus was to have the confidence to go out with her and trust that her training had prepared her.”

Amy Morefield, one of Kailey’s training partners and cross country teammates, was able to watch the race online.

“Kailey is one of the most hardworking, dedicated people on the Earth,” Morefield said. “It was amazing to see how much she can push herself. She was so tough and pushed through all the mental barriers. I was so proud of her 1500 because she almost broke the national record which is beyond amazing even though she placed second.”

About the Contributors

James Mapes, LJP Staff, Studio & Equipment Manager

Junior Adam Matacale is the Equipment Manager for LJP. He also assist with all studio productions for LJP.

Katie Dolberry, Section Editor

Heading into her second year on staff, senior Katie Dolberry is excited to take on the role of sports editor and photographer. She would like to pursue journalism as a sports broadcaster. Outside of the newsroom, Katie puts her height and long wingspan to use by playing post in basketball and first base in softball; she is also a part of PALS. More often than not, Katie can be found talking to her Sky Ranch friends or talking about camp in general. If you were to drive past her, you would likely hear her jamming to lots of country music. Katie is also a chapstick addict and has some in her pocket 24/7. Her favorite flavor is candy cane. More things Katie loves include chocolate, bucket hats, throwing the football, Bible journaling, picnics with friends and the sky. Katie cannot wait to see what her second year on staff has to offer.

Sydney Stout, Photographer

Senior Sydney Stout is excited to return to The Red Ledger this year as a photographer. She worked for four years as a photographer. You can often find Stout on the football field running around with a giant camera around her neck or in the newsroom. She walks with a pep in her step and is always willing to chat. Stout enjoys running, debate, photography, traveling and driving around with friends. She is friendly, kind, and in some ways, in her world, an “icon.” She is an outstanding friend and is excited to see what this year has in store for her.