Kaaen on her way to Utah State
Vale High School graduate earns scholarship in track and field

By Ray Rodriguez
Argus Observer
Friday, June 19, 2009 10:08 AM PDT

Argus Observer file photo Vale’s Michelle Kaaen decides to run for Utah State next season. Kaaen a former 3A track champion received a scholarship to run the 800-meters for Utah State.

Vale—With her blonde locks flailing, nostrils flared and ear pricked back, Vale High School graduate Michelle Kaaen had a gazelle-like grace as she mowed down the competition through her four years as a varsity runner.

Now the former 3A track and field state champion will get her chance to do the same at the collegiate level.

Kaaen has signed on at Utah State university, where she received a scholarship to compete in the 800-meters. She will major in physical therapy and would like to parlay the degree into a doctorate.

From Vale to Logan, Ut. Kaaen admits she unsure of what to expect.

“I am really nervous. Nervous because this a new adventure and a new situation,” she said. “I never thought this would honestly happen for me. When I got the paperwork I wanted to sign it fast before they took it away from me. Before they signed someone else.”

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Kaaen is the fourth Vale graduate to take the step to Utah State with former track standouts Kimiko Kamo, Zack Hevner and Phillip Noble having earned spots on the roster.

Kaaen can etch her name to that mix.

“It’s awesome. It shows coming from a small town, there are gifted athletes that are able to go on with their sport,” Kaaen said.

After her sophomore season where she claimed her state championship, Kaaen backed it up in her junior and senior years with back-to-back second-place finishes at the 3A state tournament.

She will use the back-to-back years as inspiration.

“I did not do very well this year, what I was hoping to do anyway,” Kaaen said. “I would like to blame it on graduation and all the stuff surrounding that, but it was my fault. I just wasn’t as prepared as I wanted to be. I will use it as motivation, because after every race you take something out of it. Something you need to work on.”

Earlier this year at the Western Athletic Conference outdoor championships, Utah State junior Elaine Connolly earned first-team all-WAC honors with a third-place finish in the 800-meters with a personal-best time of 2:14.03.

This past year, Kaaen finished the 800 in 2:20.27, and her career-best time came in 2007 with a time of 2:17.96.

So Kaaen is within striking distance of a top-flight Division I runner.

It is a matter of hard work and the Vale Viking winning attitude.

“Being a Vale Viking is about never giving up and pushing forward through everything you encounter. You can’t ever give in,” Kaaen said. “Coming from a small school I know I will have to work harder. It is going to be about proving to people I can do it. I am going to show everyone I belong there and give it my best and well see what happens.”