PDHS graduate throws some serious weight around, excelling at University of South Dakota

By Casandra Turnbull

A PDHS graduate is throwing some serious weight around at the University of South Dakota. Kenzie Campbell, who graduated from Paris High in 2020 but attended the school from 2016 to 2021, competed in the Summit League Indoor Track and Field Championships with the University of South Dakota (USD) Women’s team at the end of February. The team won the championships, by more than 48 points against the second placed school, and Kenzie’s fourth place weight throw was a personal best (19 44 metres) and registers her as third overall in Canada and fifth overall in USD history. Kenzie is a member of Athletics Ontario so her individual results also rank her against all others in Canada. She currently throws 9.07 kgs.

Kenzie’s prowess in track and field developed in 2016 when she joined the Brantford Track and Field Club. She started as a sprinter and jumper and then transitioned to throwing hammer, weight, shot put and javelin, explains her mom, Lisa Campbell She took the skills she learned at the club and competed on PDHS’ track team in the long jump, javelin and shot-put events. After three years of practicing and throwing hammer, competing along the way, Kenzie earned a scholarship to USD, where she is studying to become a Nurse.

“We are so proud of her accomplishments both in school and in throwing,” said Lisa on behalf of herself and her husband Tim. “She has been on the Dean’s list each semester. To be able to manage both her studies and training is a true testament to her dedication to the sport

We can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next.”

Lisa was able to attend the Summit League Championships, but a midwest blizzard delayed the competition slightly so she only caught one day of competition and missed out on the final day when the university took home the title. Both Lisa and Tim plan to attend the outdoor conference championships in Fargo, North Dakota in May. When they are unable to support their daughter live in person, they watch live streams, view videos or track her progress through online results.

Kenzie, who hails from Burford, Ontario, not only attended school in

Kenzie Campbell is a member of the 2023 University of South Dakota Women’s Indoor Track and Field Team. They easily won the Summit Championship last month Kenzie recorded a personal best of 19.44 metres in weight throw.

Paris, but also skated at the Paris Figure Skating Club for seven years before she fully transitioned into track and field athletics. Lisa is still the President of the Paris Figure Skating Club. “When she transitioned to track and field her coaches were amazed at her body position awareness, which she needed for figure skating. Also, when she transitioned to throwing, she already knew how to spin without getting dizzy from figure skating, so that also helped her.”

Kenzie and her teammates are now preparing for the outdoor seasons which starts later this month The team is looking to defend their championship title from the 2022 season and Kenzie, of course, will look to continue to improve her personal best throws.

Nominate a PMHA volunteer for an award!

The Paris Minor Hockey Association is hosting its annual awards banquet on Tuesday, April 11 from 6:45pm to 8pm at the Paris Fairgrounds. All players from U8 to U18 are invited to attend. They are also looking for volunteer nominations. Do you know a coach or volunteer you’d like to recognize for their outstanding efforts this season? Email your nomination to president@parisminorhockey.com and secretary@parisminorhockey.com . Nominations will be accepted for the following positions: Local League and Rep coach of the year; Local League and Rep Trainer of the Year; Adult Volunteer of the Year Award and Student Volunteer of the Year Award. Nominations are open until March 22.

A $500 PMHA scholarship is up for grabs- apply by March 31st

Each year Paris Minor Hockey awards one scholarship of $500 to a third-year U18 player. PMHA encourages all high school graduating players to apply. Applicants must be graduating students as of September; they must reside in the area with the PMHA boundaries and must have registered with PMHA for the previous season. All applicants must be in good financial standing with PMHA and must be enrolled in a postsecondary institution. The deadline to file is March 31.

All applicants must submit a high school transcript, and essay of approximately 500 words discussing your educational goals. Send essay and qualifications to president@parisminorhockey.com and secretary@parisminorhockey.com