By Madison Shaw
Originally published in the Left Hand Valley Courier on July 23, 2025.
Jade and La'Mar West after the 2024 State Track Meet, where Jade took home gold in both discus and shot put. (Photo Courtesy of Jade West)
At Niwot High School, the name West is synonymous with excellence in throwing events. La'Mar West set the school's discus record in 2006 with a throw of 146'3" and his daughter, Jade West, made her own mark by breaking the discus and shot put records.
Jade first set the discus record in 2023, then broke it in 2024 with a throw of 137'9". She also broke the shot put record in 2023, set a new mark in 2024, and again improved it in 2025, where it will remain at 47'4".
For La'Mar, the discus record he set was unexpected. "It was an amazing accomplishment that wasn't supposed to happen," he recalled. The throw, which still stands as the school's top mark, left La'Mar feeling stunned. Nearly two decades later, he is proud to know that his name remains on the record board.
"To look back and know it's still a part of Niwot history is crazy," La'Mar reflected. While records are meant to be surpassed, he is grateful to share this milestone with his daughter. "I'm thankful to have my name up on the same wall as my daughter."
Jade's journey was shaped by her father's success, but it was her own work ethic that led her to break both the discus and shot put records. While shot put came naturally to her, it was the discus record that pushed her to improve.
"It felt great because both throwing records had stood for a long time," she said. "Shot put has always come naturally to me, but excelling in discus was something I had always worked toward."
Breaking the school's records was a particularly special moment for Jade. "It's cool because not a lot of students get to see their name along with their parents' on a record board," she said. "It's astonishing to see a legacy that can be built."
La'Mar, who coached Jade throughout her career, has played a pivotal role in her development. "My dad helped me learn how to take each technical part of the sport and break it down into three things to work on every day," Jade explained. "He taught me how to be an individual in this sport and focus on my own performance."
Watching Jade set records and rise through the ranks has been incredibly fulfilling for La'Mar. "I'm proud that Jade found something she loved and was so good at. It looked effortless," he shared.
La'Mar always trusted his daughter to rise to the challenge, especially during competition. "So many athletes can do what seems impossible when you simply trust them to take all their training and apply it to competition," he said.
Both father and daughter recognize the significance of having their names etched in the record books at Niwot High School. "It feels good to know that we both set performances that can be remembered and a bar that has been set for future students to chase," they agreed.
Now, as Jade prepares to continue her athletic journey at the University of Wyoming, she is focused on her next chapter. "I'm excited to branch out, learn new things, and compete against new faces while developing strong relationships with my future teammates," she said.
For La'Mar, the legacy he shares with his daughter is more than just about setting records. It is about instilling a mindset of dedication and perseverance that will continue to inspire future athletes. With the West family's achievements now etched in history, future Niwot athletes will be aiming high, throwing to break records and set new standards of their own.
