By Blake Chadwick

Whether it is breaking school records or leading the team, Aunisty McNeal from Salina South is one of the most consistent performers in the state. The senior has a current PR of 36-4 in the shotput, a 126-5 in the discus and a 124-10 in the javelin.

McNeal has been participating in track since seventh grade and has always had the “locked in” mindset that has gotten her work ethic to be so high. Coming off of a year where she finished as the Saline County shotput, javelin and discus champion, the senior was also the AVCTL-1 javelin champion.

“In the off season I do my best to work out and work on my technique,” McNeal said. “And on nice days I try to go outside and throw.”

The senior has also competed in basketball the whole time while doing track. Where she enjoys the competitive spirit during games and practices which have helped her with the throwing growth as well.

“My mindset while throwing is to always throw farther than my previous throw,” McNeal said.

But throwing far isn’t all for the senior.

“Some goals for this season that I would love to achieve are to obviously beat my old PR’s, Set a new school record, but most importantly to me is to go to state and do well and make the podium.”

Of course the senior wants to win and knows that the leadership starts with her.

“She’s been a great leader for us both in the classroom and at practice,” head coach Cameron Magnall said.