By Carole King
Dee Barnett, Track and Field coach for Fredonia High School (USD #484), has a bright outlook for the Spring season. “We have great leaders on both the girls’ and boys’ teams who we can trust to do the right thing.” One of those great leaders is Fredonia’s Track & Field MVP, Senior Emmet Couch.
“Emmet’s hard work paid off for him as a junior in 2024. He set a school record in the pole vault last year as a junior, vaulting 13’6 at the Remington Invitational. He also punched his ticket to 3A state in both the javelin and pole vault,” says Coach Barnett. “Emmet placed 9th in 3A state javelin and 4th in the pole vault again clearing 13’6. We are looking forward to watching him perform again and continue getting better with each practice and each track meet.
Emmet considers his coaches and his family to be the biggest key to his success in track. “A big thanks to my coaches Mr. & Mrs. Barnett & (retired) Mr. Pope. My coaches push me every day and are there when I need them to tell me the truth, tell me where my form is flawed, or even to argue with me about the 4×4,” he says. “And to my family, thank you for showing up. Pole vault is the last field event to get done at every track meet, and my family is still standing at the fence, cheering me on. They mean more than they know to me.”
Fredonia High School senior Emmet Couch spoke to VYPE SPORTS in a recent interview.
VYPE SPORTS: What are your personal goals for the year?
– I have consistently improved in the pole vault by 1 ft every year since 8th grade with a height of 10’ 6”, if I could continue this, I’ll hopefully clear 14′ 6″ by regionals.
VYPE SPORTS: What is your favorite memory about your association with this team?
– Off days come more than I’d like them to but one time I was so off I completely missed the mat. Thankfully it was a warm-up jump, I was done for the day after that.
VYPE SPORTS: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why?
– There have been many, but I’d say Joel Dutton. We were running the 4×4 my freshman year and I was on a team with three seniors. After Joel handed me the baton, he fell from exhaustion. Of course, I turned and was gone, but somehow, he managed to get up and ran to the 100m mark to yell at me to go faster! He always pushed me further than I thought I could go.
VYPE SPORTS: What is your favorite part of being a part of this team?
– Probably the people. Being around people you enjoy the company of is all the difference. It can even make the 4×4 somewhat fun.
VYPE SPORTS: What clubs, community groups, or campus groups are you involved with and why?
– This last year I decided to involve myself more because, “It’s Senior year, why not?” I’ve been a part of Football, Basketball, Track, FCCLA, FFA, FCA, Youth Philanthropy, Class Office, and Clay Target Team. These are all character builders, and I’d like to become the best I can be. Extracurriculars are a way of expanding your responsibilities, discipline, work ethic, preparation, and resilience.
VYPE SPORTS: What accolades (Both any sport and any non-athletic activity) are you most proud of?
– Having the privilege of good people in my corner I can go to any time. Along with all the pole vault records at Fredonia High, I am also a district and all-academic athlete.
VYPE SPORTS: What has this sport taught you that you use in your daily life?
– What has it not? Everything in sports applies to daily life. Above all, it demands discipline and preparation.
VYPE SPORTS: What is the best advice that anyone has given you?
– “You’re only as good as your word.” “Take pride in your work.” “And walk with your chin high and shoulders back.”
VYPE SPORTS: Who inspires you and why?
– I am inspired by those who work hard and are committed to accomplish much. I can look at them and know it’s possible to do the same. One that embodies this is Kenny Lambert, the sharpest and truest man I know.
Congratulations Emmet for being the 2025 MVP of the Fredonia High School Boys Track and Field Team!
