Kasey Webb Claims KHSAA 1A Shot Put State Title

Kasey Webb, 2024 KHSAA Class A Shot Put State Champion. (courtesy of Webb family).

Darren Doyle, story:
A new state champion rolled into town this afternoon, after today's track and field state competition at the 2024 KHSAA finals at the University of Kentucky in Lexington.

Kasey Webb, a 2024 graduate of Edmonson County High School, finished his high school career today as the Class A Shot Put KHSAA State Champion. He also broke his own school record with his throw of 53' 1”.

Kasey began his journey as a champion during his sophomore season at ECHS after the sport appealed to him.

"It looked interesting to me," he said.

What started as an interest ended in the championship medal around his neck this afternoon.

At the end of his sophomore season, he had figured out that this would be more than an interest, as he first competed at the state level and throwing more than 42 feet.

He said going into his senior season, his goals were simple: 1. break the school record, and 2. win the state title.

Check, and check.

Not easy feats, but you can't reach the stars if you don't shoot for them.

Kasey said he had progressed another 6 feet of throwing this season from the last.

"My junior year, I came into the state ranked top five but ended up having my worst meet of the year and missed making the finals by half an inch."

A competitor advancing to the finals is allowed three more throws, and that half inch was the difference in extra throws or going home. That's the moment he said he was not only making the finals this year, but becoming the overall champion

Kasey Webb breaks his own school record as he claims the 2024 KHSAA Class A Shot Put State Title (courtesy ECHS Sports)

Head Track and Field Coach for ECHS Brad Meredith said he was extremely proud of Kasey for his work ethic, determination, working through setbacks, and leading by example.

"For him to become a state champion is unbelievable," Coach Meredith said. "It is so hard to achieve. I couldn’t be happier for Kasey , if anyone deserves the attention and accolades it is him."

Meredith said he had only had one other state champion on an ECHS team since he had been coaching, which was runner Candace Barbee.

"I have learned over the years as a coach to enjoy the moment," he said. "This was a moment I will never forget.  Kasey had already secured the state championship, as everyone else had thrown their last attempt, but Kasey had one more. He steps in to the shot put circle to throw, and every other thrower and parent starts clapping for Kasey for his last attempt.  Me and Coach (Michael) Peger just looked at each other like wow.  It’s a coaching moment I will never forget and a moment Kasey will always remember."

Meredith also credited Coach Michael Peger.

"No way Kasey is a State Champion without Coach Peger," he added.

Kasey, who also played football and basketball during high school, now has an impressive piece of hardware to display, in addition to the satisfaction of breaking his own school record, set earlier this season at 52' 6". The old record had stood for 35 years.

"I'd like to thank my family, Coach Brad, Coach Nicole (Meredith), and Coach Peger," Webb said. "I couldn't have done it without them."

Several supporters came out to Brownsville this afternoon to celebrate with a short parade around town for not only Kasey, but also other members of the ECHS Track and Field team for top finishes in today's competition. We'll have the full story a little later.