As Michelle Mury's first season as Head Track & Field Coach comes to an end, The Daily News ran a great article about how much she's grown the program, and the meaningful way she--and a team of people at Kelso High--have helped to include a population of students who are experiencing the sport for the first time.
"It is a blessing and an amazing opportunity/avenue to connect and inspire students to explore new experiences," Mury shared. "There is something for everyone in track & field."
Below is a summary of The Daily News article. You can read the whole article online at tdn.com here.
Kelso High School’s track and field program has become a powerful symbol of inclusion and opportunity, thanks to the tireless efforts of first-year head coach Michelle Mury and a network of staff and community members. With over 145 student-athletes now participating—many of whom had never before joined school sports—the program is breaking down barriers beyond the track. Language obstacles, lack of equipment, and financial hardship are among the challenges faced by a growing number of Pacific Islander students, including Chuukese and Samoan athletes. Many of them share shoes or rely on donations, while students like Raimary “Mary” Emery act as translators to help teammates navigate everything from paperwork to academic requirements.
The team’s growth reflects a deep commitment to inclusion, with support spanning from coaches and administrative staff to translators and outreach workers. Volunteers help arrange transportation, fill out forms, and secure funding for essentials like shoes and physical exams. The result is more than athletic participation—it’s a sense of belonging. For many, this marks their first experience in organized sports, fostering new friendships, growing confidence, and improved engagement in school. Mury and her colleagues insist it’s not about overcoming hurdles, but simply making a path for every student to thrive—an embodiment of the school’s rallying cry: “We Are Kelso.”