Knox Pages will select one student athlete to be recognized as the Park National Bank Athlete of the Month during the 2023-24 school year. Nominations for Athlete of the Month are accepted from Athletic Directors and Coaches, but are ultimately chosen by Knox Pages and are based on the student’s exceptional athletic performance, effective teamwork and achievement in their communities. Park National Bank is proud to support this initiative and is giving the athletic department of each school $1,000 in honor of each athlete chosen.
FREDERICKTOWN — Though only a sophomore, Ella Bouton is a leader in track and field in coach Bob Geiger’s eyes.
Fredericktown’s Bouton placed second in shot put at last week’s Division II state track and field meet with a throw of 41 feet, 10.75 inches. She also qualified in the discus, finishing 15th (109-7).
“It’s her work ethic,” Geiger said when asked what makes Bouton stand out, noting she is typically the first at practice and last to leave. She trains with the sprinters and then works on her throws afterward.
“That’s impressive because she’s only a sophomore,” Geiger said. “But you’d think she’s a senior with how hard she works.”
Geiger also attributes Bouton’s ability to stay calm amid adversity, while continuing to improve after every throw. Her best throw during last week’s state shot put competition came on her sixth and final attempt.
“She has to be able to shut out all the distractions because it’s not like a race where you’re running by people,” Geiger said. “You’re in an area where everybody’s staring at you and you’re the only one moving and they’re all watching you in the ring.”
Athlete of the month
“There’s so much technique behind it and you have to be able to block out everything and concentrate.”
In between throws, Bouton will sprint, Geiger said, to help clear her mind before the next attempt.
“You don’t see very many shot putters do a couple of sprints in between throws to get themselves ready,” Geiger said.
Inspiration from Bouton’s sister
Bouton’s sister Audrey Bouton has had a profound impact on Bouton’s track and field journey.
Bouton was in seventh grade when she joined the track program. Audrey was already part of the program.
Growing up on a farm and excelling in three sports — she was an All-Knox Morrow Athletic Conference second-team selection in both volleyball and basketball — has kept Bouton grounded. This balance allows her to consistently achieve a 4.0 GPA and earn recognition as an Academic All-Ohioan.
Consistency in the classroom lends itself to the oval. Bouton’s level-headed approach has allowed her to regularly throw the shot over 40 feet this spring.
When throwing, Bouton says she focuses on her foot placement and not overrating. She is sure to focus on her breathing while she throws.
Geiger says the younger Bouton, like her older sister, is coachable and dedicated to the craft.
Her family provides the level of stillness needed to succeed in the shot put and discus, Geiger said.
“The whole approach from practice to the throw at the beat, everything is based on confidence,” Geiger said. “She’s matured beyond her years.”
