Kaylyn Forrest decided to make a slight change to her sports schedule this spring.

The Cassopolis junior would still participate in softball and track, but track would become her primary sport.

“We were winning and I love the sport,” said Forrest on why she made the switch. “I’ve gone to the state finals since my freshman year in track.”

As a freshman she qualified for the state finals in the 100 meters and 200 meters, along with being part of state qualifying 400-meter relay and 800-meter relay teams.

Last year, Forrest was a state qualifier in those two relays, placing third in the 800-meter relay (1:48.92) and fifth in the 400-meter relay (52.44).

“Before the year started our A.D. (Matt Brawley) asked me what sport was going to be my primary sport in the spring,” Forrest said. “I said track because last year at state our school placed for the first time in a long time in the 400-meter relay and 800-meter relay and our time was remarkable. That got me motivated for track this year.”

This year Forrest will be back competing in the 100 meters, 200 meters, 400-meter relay and 800-meter relay at the state finals.

“It makes a huge difference,” Forrest said about concentrating more on track. “I’ve put a lot of work in as a track athlete. My times are way better this year and I just feel like I’m doing better.

“Playing basketball really put me in good shape for running. This past summer I had an ankle injury so I couldn’t work out as much, but I still got myself ready for track.”

Forrest captured four first place finishes on May 20 at the BCS Athletic Conference Meet at Brandywine High School. Those events were the 100 meters (13.24), 200 meters (27.87), 400-meter relay (53.72) and 800-meter relay (1:52.25). Joining Forrest on the 400-meter relay were Kortenei Suggs, Janye Butts and KayAnna Williams. Suggs, Williams and Nakiela Sinclair were the other runners on the 800-meter relay team.

“She ran (in the B.C.S. Meet) like she ran all season,” said Cassopolis girls track coach Janice Gatson.

“Kaylynn is stronger this year and more mature. She’s gained knowledge.”

Forrest found a way to conquer to the cold and rainy weather conditions.

“It made me run faster to get it over with so I could go get warm again,” Forrest said about the weather.

Forrest’s impressive season helped Cassopolis gained a share of the BCS Athletic Conference championship with Centreville. The Rangers were unbeaten in dual meets and placed second at the conference meet with 119 points. Centreville won the conference meet with 125 points.

Forrest is anxious to run in the Division IV state finals on May 30th at Baldwin Middle School in Hudsonville, Michigan.

“My goal is to place at state as high as I can and get a good time and make history for our school,” Forrest said.

Whatever the outcome, Forrest has found her primary spring sport.