FREDERICKTOWN — Ella Bouton is someone special. Just ask her track coach, her parents, and the Michigan State University track program.
This fall, the Fredericktown graduate will head to East Lansing, benefitting from one of only 18 scholarships Michigan State awards in women’s track each year.
“It (Michigan State) was the best route for me,” Bouton said. “For the AG (agriculture) side, it had the most options.”
Bouton earned a 3.9 grade point average in high school with a clear goal in mind.
“I’ll be a veterinarian, and then I’m looking to come back to Mount Vernon or Fredericktown, practice and then farm,” she said.
Bouton did her “homework” regarding her decision about higher education.
“It was my third or fourth visit; it was very pretty, and academically it was the best fit for me,” she said.
Working with large animals is something Bouton understands. At home, she handles dairy cattle and Herefords for the beef cattle.
She’ll toil on the track to help fund the education it takes to reach her goals. That’s been a source of significant success in high school, where she excelled in the shot put and discus. Her best toss of the 8.8-pound steel ball is 46 feet, good enough to win a state title this spring.
“I’m a thrower. I like the shotput, but I also like the challenge that the discus has to offer,” she said.
Fredericktown track coach Bob Geiger is confident that whatever his track star attempts, success will follow.
“Ella is a very well-rounded athlete,” Geiger said. “She can do multiple events, but concentrates on throwing. She has very good footspeed, and her toughness makes her stand out.
“I have never heard her complain in four years of coaching.”
Geiger said Bouton is important to the team in more than just athletics.
“Her calm commitment to getting better sets an example for our younger athletes,” Geiger said. “She will be missed, not just because she is so talented at her events, but because she was one of the best leaders by example that I have ever coached.”
Bouton’s mother, Jennifer, is confident her daughter will find success.
“Ella will do fantastic in college,” Jennifer said. “She is very good at multitasking. We are excited to see how her future unfolds.”
Her mother said she knew Ella was talented from an early age.
“Ella has always been an athlete and has grown up watching her big sisters compete, learning from their struggles and successes,” Jennifer said. “She then took that knowledge and developed herself into the competitor we have today.”
The family matriarch added that her daughter has something that is difficult to measure: “Driven to succeed, humble and always looking to improve.”
“She never wanted to compete against her sisters, so she chose different positions on the court, or outside hitter, point guard and throws,” Jennifer said.
The family said it appreciates the support Fredericktown’s school and fans have provided.
“We want to thank all of the coaches that have influenced our girls,” Jennifer said. “The girls have become who they are through the guidance and efforts these coaches provided.
“Their time and dedication to researching and developing athletes do not go unnoticed. The athletic directors have also helped guide the kids and have been a great sounding board.
“Then there is Freddie Nation, teachers, students and a community always rooting for the kids. We could not be more proud to be a part of the Fredericktown Local Schools.”
Ella agrees — since her future plans include coming back home.