Tate, Kinman named Athletes of the Week

Tate, Kinman named Athletes of the Week News Staff Fri, 04/26/2024 - 8:58 am

• (TC GORDON | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Paris Tate is a four-year starting center fielder for the Lady Blue softball team. She recently helped the team clinch a district championship with a win over Mineral Wells, in which she had three hits and drove in three of her team’s runs. She’s committed to p
• (TC GORDON | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Peyton Kinman is a multi-sport athlete from Graham who has found success in whatever he’s taken on. The senior is committed to play football in college as he has been a standout for the Steers’ football team. But his performance in the long jump this track season stood out and showed his athletic versatility.

TC Gordon sports@grahamleader.com

The school year is winding down, both in the classroom and on the athletic fields. Students have entered their final month of classes and most of the sports teams have finished or are moving towards the postseason of their respective schedules.

In the last week, the Graham High School track and field team concluded its season at the regional meet in Lubbock. On the softball diamond, the Lady Blues wrapped up the regular season and claimed a district championship—their second in as many years.

Peyton Kinman, of the Steers track and field team, and Paris Tate, of Lady Blues softball, earned selections as athletes of the week for their recent performances. Both of these seniors made contributions to their teams not only in this season, but throughout their high school careers.

Paris Tate, center fielder, Lady Blues softball

It takes a special kind of athlete to play all four years at the varsity level of a high school team. The fact that Tate not only played on varsity but started all four years is an even bigger accomplishment.

“She does a great job for us; she’s been our leadoff some. We’ve slipped her down the lineup to see some better pitches and I think it’s paid off,” head coach Adam Arrington said. “No matter where you put her in the lineup she’s going to be able to stand in there and compete.”

This season, the Lady Blues hit, pitched and fielded their way to a second district championship. They finished with a 6-2 district record to claim the title and capped it off with a 13-7 win over Mineral Wells.

In that game, Tate went 3-for-5 with a run scored and drove in three runs, second most on the team in that matchup. She singled to score two runs in the first inning and recorded her third RBI on a single in the seventh.

In addition to her work in the batter’s box, she’s been a strong force on the defensive side of the ball with her play in center field. Arrington has seen her improvement every year and it’s turned her into a leader with the glove.

“She’s played as much softball as anybody on this team,” Arrington said. “She’s been our center fielder for four years… and if (the ball is) in the air and anywhere close to her I’ve got confidence she’s going to go catch it.”

Tate will continue her softball career at Central Christian College of Kansas following graduation. She’s left a mark on this Lady Blues program and will continue to showcase her abilities at the next level.

Peyton Kinman, long jump, Steers track and field

Kinman left his mark on the Graham football program throughout his time with the Steers. He played both sides of the ball and excelled both as a wide receiver and defensive back.

But Kinman hasn’t only found success on the football field. He’s also participated in Graham’s track program for multiple years, and this season was no different. The senior has spent time in various events but at the regional meet in Lubbock, Kinman was there for long jump.

While he didn’t quite beat the odds to advance to the state meet, a fifth place finish in the long jump against some of the top athletes in the region is no small feat. Kinman’s best jump was 20-11.75, just a couple of feet behind the two qualifiers for state.

Throughout his time in the track and field program, Kinman has also performed well in the high jump, pole vault and various running events among others. He has regularly achieved high scores and placements in whatever events in which he’s competed.

“He had a setback midseason that caused him to miss some time. It would have been real easy for him as a senior to quit and give up. But all he did was man up and work harder,” head boys track coach Gregg Lee said. “… Our track team was better this year because of Peyton.”

For all his work as a Graham Steer, Kinman has committed to the University of Jamestown in North Dakota, where he will continue his football career. While his track season has come to an end, he will leave the school and athletic department as one of the top athletes to come through, and he will represent Graham wherever his path goes.

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