Kari Campbell Named Outstanding Athlete at Laramie High School

Laramie High School senior Kari Campbell was awarded Female Athlete of the Year and Outstanding Athlete at the Laramie Quarterback Club Spring Senior Honor Banquet on Wednesday night. The honors come with $1,500 in Gene Benson Memorial Scholarship money presented by Pepsi. Tate Hilgenkamp was named Male Athlete of the Year, a scholarship reward of $500.

Campbell earned nine varsity letters during high school in swimming and diving, indoor and outdoor track and basketball. Even though a back injury limited her through some of her sophomore and junior years, Campbell persevered to earn seven All-State honors, win four state titles, three All-American considerations, break three school records, two conference records and a Best of the Best. During competition her senior year in diving and pole vault, she won at all but three meets. Campbell has signed to dive at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

"I definitely couldn't have done it without such a great coaching staff." Campbell said about the award. "With all of the coaches I've worked with and all of the teammates that I've had have just pushed me so hard. It's been great."

Hilgenkamp earned seven varsity letters at LHS in basketball, football and track. The point guard earned two All-State honors and will play in two all-star games this summer before heading to Sheridan College to play basketball. Hilgenkamp also garnered two All-Conference honors in football and placed in all four events he competed in at State track.

During the 2011-12 school year, 254 students at LHS earned a varsity letter in at least one sport according to Athletic Director Jeff Lewis. LHS studen athletes won 4 Team State Titles, 3 Team State Runner-ups and 17 Individual State Championships. Lewis reports that two Laramie student athletes were named Gatorade Player of the Year and three coaches were voted State Coach of the Year. You can view some photos from the Laramie Quarterback Club Spring Senior Honor Banquet below.