As spectators began to leave Dutch Clark Stadium, Mackinzy Wall was putting on a show in the throwing ring.  

With the John Tate Invite track events over, a crowd of Manitou Springs supporters watched the senior win with a personal-best discus throw of 144 feet, 3 inches, which leads the state, regardless of class. 

It was an exciting moment for Wall, who finished second in discus at state last season, but more importantly, she realized the power of a positive mindset. 

“The week before was a really bad meet, and I had a bad attitude about it,” this week’s Gazette Preps Peak Performer said. “My coach said if your attitude changes, your mark will change. That was mostly what I was thinking about … was having a good attitude and being able to cheer other people on. I think that’s what really changed it.”

Seeing how a change in attitude resulted in a top mark boosted Wall’s confidence for a state championship in May, which is one of Wall’s last goals before continuing her athletic career at Grand Canyon University in the fall. 

Wall’s change in attitude is rooted in her faith, which she says is the biggest thing in her life. 

“What changed is realizing I’m not there for me, it’s to give glory to God,” Wall said. “That’s the reason why I do this sport: to share the word with people, do what I do well, and get closer to God.”

The mental aspect of the sport is one Wall has been working on with her throwing coach, Mel Herl, for the past year. The pair worked through mental exercises on focusing on what you can control and having a positive mindset, no matter the result. 

“It’s been a bit of a process, but I have seen real growth in that this year,” Mustangs’ head track coach Anna Mach said. “She came out with a different attitude this weekend, a stronger work ethic, and everything started to click right from the get-go.”

Wall began throwing during her freshman year and immediately felt drawn to the community aspect of track and field. She just missed the podium as a freshman and has seen a steady upward progression. No gimmicks or radical changes in training, just hard work. 

“She doesn’t even look like the same kid,” Mach said. “Her form has changed dramatically, and she has learned so much about how to do the events well and execute things properly. She wants to be good.”

After taking runner-up to Pagosa Springs senior Abigail Nehring in the 3A state championship last season, Wall feels good about taking the top spot this year. Still, she is mostly focused on staying positive throughout and enjoying her last state meet.

She wishes she had a better attitude after losing last year, and hopes to end the upcoming state championship with gratitude. 

“I remember last year we made it a goal to have a positive attitude going into meets, knowing it takes one throw for it to be good,” Wall said. “It would be a special day (to win the state), but I’m not doing it for me, but for someone greater.”