By Ken Hansard
Fort Scott senior distance runner Mesa Casper knew from an early age that she liked to run and compete. “When I was younger, one of my favorite things about softball was running bases. I believe that is where my desire to run began. That, along with the desire to beat everyone in the pacer test in elementary school!”
Now that her career is culminating in track and field’s “Championship Season,” Mesa was asked to reflect upon her role as a Tiger: “As a senior, my goal is to be a leader on the team, just like the previous seniors that I have looked up to. I try to do my part for the best of the team, and I hope that I encourage others to do the same.”
All told, Mesa is a five time state qualifier (three times for cross-country and twice in track). In track, Casper’s forte is the mid and long distance races – specifically the 1600, the 3200, and the 4 x 800 relay, an event she has already medaled in previously at the KSHAA Track Championships. In addition to cross country and track, Casper was also co-Captain for the cheer team. She was the Tigers’ Student Council Senior Class Vice President, the NHS vice president, the Key Club vice president. She was also a member of FFA, Math Club, History Club, Physics Club, Tiger Pride Club, FCA, Zero Reasons Why, and Educators Rising. Despite all of that, Mesa was able to maintain a 4.0 g.pa. throughout her high school career.
Mesa plans to run cross-country and track at the University of Saint Mary next fall. She will also pursue a biology degree tracking towards pre-med with a goal of becoming an orthopedic doctor with a focus on sports medicine.
