2024 marks the 101 anniversary of the Kansas Relays. Hosted by the University of Kansas at Rock Chalk Park, on April 18,19, and 20, this meet allows high school and college student-athletes across the midwest to compete against their top competitors in all different types of track events. 

This year in particular, Washburn Rural High School took 25 individuals who qualified for the prestigious meet. Ranging from distance events, sprints, jumps, and throws, one athlete stood out in particular. 

Senior, Josh Sulzen-Watson stole the spotlight in javelin on day 3 of the meet. 

Competing against 23 other male athletes, Sulzen-Watson threw a whopping 59.61 meters. (195-7 ft), taking first place overall. 

Josh explained how he felt in the moment: “It was my first meet back since I sprained my ankle, so I was a little bit unsure about my run up, but I was not nervous because I was there last year so I knew the environment.”

“On my winning throw, I knew immediately. If you could have seen me, I clapped as soon as I let go of the javelin and walked off the runway. I was happy.”

Finally, Sulzen-Watson gives a piece of advice to younger throwers: “I would say, stay dedicated because you’re not going to get your results in your first year. It’s just like any sport you have to stick with it and it’s going to take a lot of outside practice to get there but when it comes it’s worth it.”

Sulzen-Watson and his teammates are preparing for their biggest meets of the year, starting with city next week, followed by league, regionals and state.