School board honors student athletes

Written on 03/11/2024
Edwin Faunce


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The Kokomo Center Schools Board of Trustees honored two athletes at the board's monthly meeting on March 4 with resolutions of appreciation and commendation.

Aubrey Simmons advanced to IHSAA Girls’ State Swimming and Diving Championships held on Feb. 10, the junior's third consecutive year competing at the state finals. She broke her own school record in the 50-meter freestyle with a time of 0:23:68 to capture seventh place in that event. Simmons then went on to claim fourth place in the 100 backstroke with a time of 0:55:38. Simmons is the first KHS junior to earn medals at state finals.

Kokomo High School’s varsity swim coach Zachary Whiteman stated, "Aubrey's achievements this year are nothing short of remarkable. Through her efforts and sheer perseverance, she has conquered all obstacles that stood in her way and fulfilled her goal this year of competing at the State Finals. Aubrey's journey exemplifies the true spirit of determination and resilience."

Also honored with a resolution of appreciation and commendation was KHS senior Jalen Sawyer-May, who achieved second place in the 113-pound weight class at the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) Ft. Wayne Semi-State Wrestling Tournament, allowing him to qualify for the 86th annual 2024 IHSAA State Wrestling Finals at Evansville — his third consecutive appearance. He placed fourth in the 113-pound weight class.



Sawyer-May finished his Kokomo High School Wildkat Wrestling experience with a record of 123-16.

KHS wrestling coach Jacob Bough, speaking about Sawyer-May, stated, "Our upperclassmen, including Jalen, have been exceptional at setting an example for the entire team and in showcasing that legacy matters. Qualifying for the IHSAA Wrestling State Finals is a testament to Jalen’s determination on and off the Wildkat mats."