In this week's MileSplit LA FAQ, we feature St. Joseph Academy's sophomore high jumper Kennedy Papillion, who tied for first at Saturday's McNeese Indoor No. 2 Meet with a jump of 5-2. Papillion is ranked No. 4 in Louisiana, and is ranked No. 32 in the nation among sophomore girls.
MileSplit LA: How did you get involved in track and field?
Papillion: I started running cross country and track in 4th grade at Sacred Heart.
MileSplit LA: What is your favorite event?
Papillion: I love the high jump!
MileSplit LA: What accomplishment/meet/performance are you most proud of?
Papillion: I am most proud of placing 4th in the country and obtaining All-American in high jump at the USATF National Jr Olympics in Eugene, Oregon in July 2023.
MileSplit LA: What is the main thing your coach has done to help you become the best that you can be?
Papillion: My coach has shown me videos with frame by frame to help me see what I need to work on to become better.
MileSplit LA: How has your family supported you during your track and field career?
Papillion: My mom and dad makes sure I have the best training and resources needed to be successful. They also travel (in and out of state) to all my track meets.
MileSplit LA: What is your favorite event and why is it your favorite?
Papillion: High jump because I have fun with it.
MileSplit LA: What are your goals for this season?
Papillion: My goals are to get under a minute in the 400m and place at both indoor and outdoor state meets as a sophomore.
MileSplit LA: If you could change one thing about track and field, what would it be?
Papillion: The regions in high school for qualifying for outdoor state meet. They should take the overall top instead of overall by region.
MileSplit LA: If you could take one characteristic of one of your teammates, what would it be and why?
Papillion: One of my teammates trains very hard and she is getting stronger. I love her perseverance.
MileSplit LA: Is there a competitor you love competing against more than others? Who is it, and what is it about competing against them?
Papillion: I love competing against the kids in Texas clubs because they are hard competitors and pushes me to get a PR.
MileSplit LA: What is your favorite meet and why is it your favorite?
Papillion: love the USATF National Jr. Olympics because you are competing against teens from all over the country.
READ MORE:
MileSplit LA FAQ: Anacoco's Sophia Swinney
MileSplit LA FAQ: Zachary's Talar Johnson
MileSplit LA FAQ: West Feliciana's Tristen Harris
MileSplit LA FAQ: Menard's A'Shyria Burns
Would you like to be featured in MileSplit LA's FAQ series? Fill out the Google Form at the link below and email a picture of you competing to MileSplit LA state editor Jerry Byrd at milesplitlaeditor@gmail.com
