Piedra Vista's Kee set to join Skyhawks

Piedra Vista's Kee (Bib#848) was an integral member of the Panther cross-country and track programs. Photo by Holly Patterson.

Name: Payton Kee

School: Piedra Vista

Signing with: Fort Lewis College

On Thursday April 12, Piedra Vista's Payton Kee signed her National Letter of Intent to run cross-country and track at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Co. With a 5k best of 20:15.56, Kee helped the Lady Panther cross-country program claim the 2013 District 1-4A Championship, where she was District runner-up, and followed it up with a 4th place team placing at the 2013 NMAA State Cross Country Championships.

On the track, Kee holds a 400m best of 1:00.86 and earned All-State honors with a 5th place finish in the 400m at the 2014 NMAA State Track and Field Championships.

What clinched the decision for the school you signed with: What clinched the decision for the school I signed with was the opportunities academiically as well as in sports. They have an amazing atheltic training program and clases that can help me in achieving a degree in Physical Therapy. Also, it's close to home and that is nice too, I won't have to make a long commute to see my family and friends.

What is your favorite track event: My favorite track event has to be the 4x400. I have participated in the 4x400 relay all four years of high school and have been apart of the relay all four years at State. It gives me an adrenaline rush, especially at State under the lights. It is an amazing experience and I am happy I have been apart of it all four years.

Which athletic season do you prefer, fall or spring: I prefer the Spring, I love warm weather, so by the time State comes around it is hot.

What is your favorite high school athletic memory: I cannot honestly say I have one favorite high school athletic memory. I have a great time and have so many fun, happy, memories with my team and coaches at each athletic event that it is hard to truly decide which is my favorite.

Kee after signing her National Letter of Intent. Photo by Holly Patterson.