Barker and Nelson Earn WyoPreps Athlete of the Week Awards 5-1-24 [VIDEO]

For the first time this spring, we have a track sweep of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming WyoPreps Athlete of the Week honor for May 1, 2024. The girls’ award went to Cody senior Ada Nelson. The boys’ honor went to Evanston senior Kai Barker. These two were selected for their effort in the week from April 22 through April 27, 2024.

WYOPREP ATHLETE OF THE WEEK WINNERS MAY 1, 2024

GIRLS WINNER

Nelson was part of five victories, including two at the prestigious Wyoming Track Classic in Casper last week. She won the 800 meters and 1600 meters twice and anchored a victorious relay. Nelson won the 800 meters at the Powell Twilight at 2:19.44 with a margin of 17 seconds. She placed first in the 1600 meters at the same event at 5:04.50 with a margin of 26 seconds. Nelson helped Cody win the 4x400 relay by four seconds at 4:14.83. Three days later, the senior won both her events at the invitation-only Wyoming Track Classic. Her first race was the 1600 meters. Nelson crossed the line at 5:06.50 with a margin of victory at 15 seconds. She came back later in the Classic and finished first in the 800 meters at 2:15.76. Her margin was nearly three seconds. Nelson has the top times in both the 800 and 1600 meters in Class 4A as of May 1, 2024. She is pre-qualified for the state track meet in four individual events and on two relays for the Cody Fillies.

WyoPreps had a chance to visit with Ms. Nelson on Wednesday evening. She was excited about her week of performances on the track. Nelson touched on the wins at the Powell Twilight, but the focus was her 2-for-2 at the Wyoming Track Classic. She showed her potential as a possible state champion in the mid-distance races. Nelson described her efforts in Casper in both the 800 and 1600 meters, where her love of running comes from, and more.

Get our free mobile app

BOYS WINNER

Evanston senior Kai Barker delivered a 4-for-4 performance at last week’s Rich and Wendy Schuler Invitational with victories in the hurdle races and two jumping events. His efforts helped Evanston take first place in the team standings, as the Red Devils scored 260 points and were 154 points ahead of the next team. The senior crossed the finish line first in the 110 hurdles at 15.30 seconds. He followed that with a second win on the track in the 300 hurdles at 40.97 seconds. In the field events, Barker won the high jump by six inches, as he cleared 6-6. He added his final and fourth win in the long jump at 20-3.75. Barker is pre-qualified in all four of those events for the state track meet later this month. He’s also on the Evanston 4x400 relay that has pre-qualified twice.

WyoPreps spoke to Barker on Wednesday. He described the challenge of going 4-for-4 at a track meet, discussed each event, touched on how he wasn’t too pleased with his times on the track or marks in the field events but was happy to win, described his passion for track, and more.

Congratulations to Ada and Kai on earning our weekly honors!

The WyoPreps Athlete of the Week nominations are open from Fridays at 5 p.m. until Mondays at 9 a.m. Coaches, family, friends, and student-athletes can nominate deserving student-athletes. Early and late nominations are not accepted.