Jackson sprinter Kahle will bring versatilty to college

~ The four-time state medalist has signed to run at Southeast -- but first she has goals for her senior season.

Jackson senior Rachel Kahle showed her versatility on the track last year by qualifying for the Class 4 state meet in four individual events.

Kahle earned all-state honors with sixth-place finishes in both the 100- and 200-meter dashes, and she competed in the long jump and triple jump as well. Last year was the first year Kahle had competed in the jumping events.

Next year, Kahle will be able to show off her versatility at Southeast Missouri State. She signing a letter of intent with the Redhawks during the early signing period that ended Nov. 15.

"Coach [Joey] Haines said he'd pretty much let me pick the events I thought I'd do best at," Kahle said.

Kahle is a two-time all-state runner in the 100-meter dash, finishing eighth her sophomore year. The 100 is an event Kahle hopes to dominate in her senior season.

"Basically, this year I want to try really hard to be undefeated in the 100," Kahle said.

The Southeast women's track and field program has been one of the university's most successful teams. The Redhawks have captured seven straight Ohio Valley Conference titles overall, including the last four outdoor titles.

"I'm sort of nervous," Kahle said. "I've been to one college meet, and it's really hard to imagine it will be me next year."

Kahle got her start in running with a little prompting from her father, who told her when she was young he thought she'd make a good runner. So far, her high school career has produced four state medals, and she still has her senior season ahead.

And all the running has earned Kahle a scholarship.

"I'm pretty excited," Kahle said. "I'm kind of getting paid to go to college."