It’s fairly unusual for smaller communities and schools in Nebraska to have an athlete compete halfway around the world.
This past summer, Boone Central High School and the communities of Albion and Petersburg had not just one, but two former Cardinals take part in the 2012 Down Under Sports Tournaments and Games in Australia, an annual event that began in 1989.
Along with cross country runner Brody Kelley of Albion, 2012 Boone Central graduate Kattie Cleveland, daughter of Pat and Hannah Cleveland of Petersburg, competed in the weight events in the track & field portion of this year’s Games.
With the help of contributions and donations from local individuals and businesses, Kattie spent the first week in July experiencing the Australian Gold Coast and competing against athletes from around the United States, Australia and New Zealand.
Cleveland’s events in the Games were held on Friday and Saturday, beginning with the discus.
“That event wasn’t very good for me. It was raining and the ring was under water and slippery, but I managed to place 7th,” she said. “Saturday, in the shot put, I placed 4th in my age group and finished 7th overall. Competing in these international games brought me to a new level of competitiveness.”
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