MEMPHIS, Mo.- Scotland County senior Kwyn Hamlin signed her National Letter of Intent (NLI) to further her track and field career at the University of Central Missouri (UCM) on Sunday afternoon.  She signed her letter in front of several family, friends, coaches and teammates at Scotland County High School.  

Kwyn has earned enough medals at the local, conference, district and state level to add several pounds to her letter jacket had she chosen to sew them all on.  She has been a specialist in sprints and jumping events throughout her high school career.  Hamlin will continue to focus on those events at the next level.

 

Hamlin- Events

 

Kwyn says that the decision to attend UCM was an obvious one for her.  She has family and friends who have all attended there and loved it.  She said that UCM also has terrific facilities that also appealed to her.

 

Hamlin- Why UCM

 

The recruitment process for Hamlin was not the usual route.  She took a visit to the school and really enjoyed it, only to find out that head coach Kip Janvrin announced his retirement two days later.  This threw the process into chaos, and Hamlin had to work hard on her end to establish herself with a new coach, Kevin Patterson.

 

Hamlin- Recruiting Process

 

Kwyn said that her entire family has always supported her on and off the track, but that there was one particular person who inspired her to be her best on the track.  That was Grandpa Charley Hamlin.  Grandpa Charley was an outstanding track athlete in his own right.  In 1961, he brought home state medals for events including high jump, broad jump, 220 yard dash and the 100 yard dash.  He also brought home a 3rd place state medal for the 120 yard high hurdles.  Kwyn says that she recently lost Grandpa Charley and has dedicated her track career to him.

 

Hamlin- Grandpa Charley

 

 

Lucas Riley has been Hamlin's track and field coach at Scotland County for the past three years.  He reflected on how he has seen her track and field career evolve and develop over those years.

 

Lucas- Hamlin's Development

 

Hamlin will enroll at UCM this fall and plans to be on campus several times between now and then to prepare for her collegiate career.