Courson competing in shot put with reason

When Katie Courson competes in a track and field meet Thursday at Newport Harbor High, she will be wearing an arm band in memory of her former principal’s late mother.

Courson, who was featured in a Daily Pilot story last year, said she is dedicating the rest of her competitions this year to Kurt’s Suhr’s mother, Julie. She worked for Newport-Mesa Unified School District for 30 years. Julie Suhr died of brain cancer April 30. Her son, Kurt, is the principal at Newport Heights Elementary.

Courson, who won a state event in the shot put last year, attended Newport Heights last year. She’s now at Ensign Intermediate, dominating in the shot put. She has won every meet.

She’s not only garnering success in junior high, but also for parks and recreation again. She has already won the city and county competitions and will go on to the state event again. Her best mark is 33 feet, 1 inch.

Last year, she won city and county titles before capturing the championship at a Southern California event that featured the state’s top qualifiers.

— Steve Virgen