Lauren St. Peters is, quite simply, one of the greatest track and field athletes to come through the Aledo athletic program. With three appearances at the University Interscholastic League Class 5A State Meet, she garnered two medals in the shot put, including a gold medal in 2024 and a bronze medal the season before.
And, as a sophomore she narrowly missed medaling in both the shot put and discus, placing fourth in each event. She was also fourth in the discus as a senior
Now she has been given her rightful place alongside other state track and field champions in Aledo with her name and accomplishment inscribed on what is commonly known as the Girls Bench of Track and Field Champions (the boys have their own bench), located in Tim Buchanan Stadium.
"I am honored to leave a legacy behind at Aledo. The school is filled with talented athletes, and to be recognized as one is something I am very proud of, " St. Peters said. "My hope is that my legacy would be an encouragement to young girls, that they’d know anything is possible when you put your heart and mind into something. "
St. Peters is only the seventh Ladycat to have her name placed individually on the bench and the first since Gracie Morris won the 800-meter run in 2017.
Ladycats throwing coach Nikki Hyles, a state championship herself in the high jump in 1988 as Nikki Walker, said coaching St. Peters has been one of the great pleasures of her career.
"She exemplifies what it means to be a state champion both on and off the field. As a natural leader, she is a role model to her peers, " Hyles said. "She has a strong Christian faith and embodies hard work and positivity in everything she does.
"I wish her all the best as she begins her college career. She will be greatly missed at AHS, but she is leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire future Ladycats. I'm so proud of Lauren and blessed to be a small part of her journey. "
St. Peters competed in two prestigious meets this summer in the shot put. She was fourth in the Nike Outdoor Nationals and placed ninth in the Under 20 World Trials Championships.
"Coming off of my performance at the UIL competition in May, I knew I would really have to dig deep to be able to compete so much later in the summer, " she said. "Proud of the perseverance. "
St. Peters now moves on to compete for the University of Nebraska track and field program, where she received a scholarship.
"I am looking forward to learning from the talented athletes and my incredible coaches there. The team and coaches at Aledo have really shown me the importance of having people who support and push you, " she said. "I truly could not have had the legacy I’ve had without Coach (Mike) Pinkerton, Coach (Nikki) Hyles, Coach (Stephen) Reeves, Coach (Michael) Corley, and so many more. "
"As I think about the four years I, athletically, had at Aledo. I can’t help but praise the Lord and give Him thanks. Without Him I would not have gotten through the devastations that come with Track and Field. He is the thing that quieted my mind and calmed my heart as i was able to completed at such a high level, " she said.
St. Peters overcame an injury to her planting leg that required surgery between her sophomore and junior seasons. Nonetheless, she returned to state in 2023 and medaled.
"My prayer for all the young athletes at Aledo is that they would walk with confidence knowing that their sport does not define them, " she said. "And rest assured that they can have hope in something that is forever, Jesus Christ. "
2014 - Carl Williams, high jump.
2018, 2019 - Zach Davis, pole vault.
2018, 2019 - Graydon Morris, 1600.
2018 - Morris, 3200.
The benches are sponsored by Vaultcats, Luke's Locker, Americana Roofing, Aledo Athletic Club, Railhead BBQ, and Davy Vestal Memorials.
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