Student Athlete of the Week Reese Kasper

She may not be known by all of her classmates just yet, but Reese Kasper has proven herself quite valuable to the Niwot High School track and field program.

Kasper moved from Minnesota to Colorado only two months ago, and while the adjustment has been challenging in some regards, joining track has made things "10 times better." Consequently, the Cougars are also better, particularly in the hurdles.

At the second annual Niwot Invitational on Saturday, March 30, Kasper won the 300-meter hurdles race and was runner-up in the 100 hurdles.

"It felt really good," Kasper said following her 45.32-second finish in the 300. "I definitely have a lot of things to work on, but I'm really happy that I tried my hardest and it turned out to be a win."

To make her performance in the other hurdles race even more impressive, the junior shared that it was her first time competing in the 100. Kasper's time of 15.37 was only .18 seconds behind the first-place finisher from Chatfield High School.

"To get a 15.3 for my first time ever running that, I'm really proud of myself," Kasper said. "My hurdles coach really wanted me to try, so I'm glad he made me."

The growth-minded Niwot newcomer still hopes to lower her times in both events, admitting she has room to improve. "I just need to remember how hard I've worked and stay confident," she said.

One of Kasper's biggest sources of confidence has been fellow hurdler Ashlenn Baca. With plenty of time spent together at practice, the two have grown close amid Kasper's first spring at Niwot.

"She's probably one of the best people on the team for me," Kasper said of Baca. "She definitely lifts me up. No matter if I'm down or I'm having a great day. She's always there for me and I hope I'm doing the same for her, too."

Kasper and Baca, a senior who finished top-six in both hurdles races over the weekend, should continue to be major point producers for a Niwot girls squad looking for its fifth straight Class 4A team state championship. Combined, the two hurdlers produced 27 of the Cougars' 108 points - tops among the 25 girls teams competing - at the Niwot Invitational.

Depending on Niwot's needs, Kasper could also contribute in other races. According to her Athletic.net profile, she ran multiple short-distance events and relays last year at Mound-Westonka High School in Minnetrista, Minnesota.