A desire to succeed

“I’ve driven myself in really anything I do. I put all my efforts into learning something. I do that in my schoolwork, hobbies and throwing as well.””

Senior Harper Boche

YODER – Southeast High School senior Harper Boche initially did not set out to be a shot put and discus thrower. Boche commenced her track career in middle school at the urging of her parents.

“My mom said, ‘You’re going to do track,’” Boche said. “So I started throwing in seventh grade. Then my mom said, ‘You need to run, too.’ So I did running and throwing. But throwing just kind of happened for me and I’ve loved it ever since.”

Boche’s shot put and discus talents took off in high school. The senior snagged all-state honors at the state tournament four times for both discus and shot put. Boche earned all-conference recognition five times and currently holds the Torrington High School indoor track record in shot put (40 feet, 1 inch).

Last week, Boche kicked off the outdoor track season by capturing gold at the Chadron State College High School Track Invitational with a toss measured at 38 feet, 1 ½ inches, beating the competition by about five feet. 

Boche’s throwing skills caught the eyes of college recruiters and the senior signed to compete on the indoor and outdoor track teams for Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska, at a ceremony with family and coaches on March 19. 

Developing into a solid shot put and discus thrower involves an exceptional work ethic, not only to master throwing technique but also build the necessary strength and stamina. 

Boche developed her desire to succeed from her parents and teachers.

“I’ve driven myself in really anything I do,” Boche said. “I put all my efforts into learning something. I do that in my schoolwork, hobbies and throwing as well.”

Boche recently applied her work ethic to replacing the glide she previously used to launch the shot put across the field with a spin technique.

“I about maxed out on my glide, so I knew I needed to change it up to get more distance on the shot put,” Boche said. “I’ve been working on the spin since this past summer at camp in Buffalo, and it’s gotten me further than my glide.”

The spin proved to be a good fit for Boche this winter.

“Gliders are usually taller people and they can get a lot of momentum from gliding,” she explained. “I’m not the tallest person, so my edge is speed. You get so much more speed with spin.”

Highlights for Boche over the course of an eventful high school career included competing at the Best of the West meet, where the top nine athletes from the region in each event converge.

“It was fun to make it to the Best of the West and compete against people I don’t get to see every day,” Boche said.

Boche won the shot put at the Best of the West and went on to participate in the Wyoming Classic in Casper.

“You get to compete with some of the best athletes in the state at the Wyoming Classic,” Boche said.

Boche made the podium in the shot put at the Simplot Games twice, beating dozens of the best athletes from across the United States, Canada and Australia to place fifth her junior year and fourth as a senior.

In addition to shot put and discus, Boche is interested in trying out the hammer throw, javelin or weight throw at Concordia. Boche already met the throwing coach – Ed McLaughlin – along with her teammates. Concordia’s throwing roster consists of about 30 women.

“I’m really excited about the coach at Concordia,” Boche said. “He’ll be able to push me in track and help keep my head on for school stuff. I’m looking forward to trying new things, seeing different points of view and meeting new people.”

Boche plans to major in computer science and mathematics at Concordia. 

The senior thanked her family, church community, fellow throwers and teachers for support over the years.

“It’s the littlest things that can make an impact for me,” Boche said.