N. Putnam student wins NFL competition

Katie Welch of Roachdale recently competed in the NFL's Punt, Pass, and Kick competition.

With wins at the local qualifier at Wabash College in Crawfordsville and the sectional round at the Colts Union Federal practice facility, she qualified for the finals at the RCA Dome on Nov. 26th, during the Colts' game against Philadelphia.

At the game, she won the Colts Team Championship in the 10-11-year-old age group. Her total distance for the competition was 240 feet 6 inches with her nearest competitor coming in at a distant 158'5".

Her favorite moment of the competition was being presented her award by Super Bowl champion and former Indianapolis Colt Mike Prior.

This is Welch's third straight year to make it to the dome.

In the two previous years, she had finished second and third, respectively.

Looking forward, her goal is to improve on her personal best of 246 feet she received at the sectional competion.

When asked if she would compete again next year, Welch's response was short but sweet.

"Heck yeah!" she replied.

Welch added that there will also be added incentive for her to do well.

"I practiced with my friend, Brittany, and she won her age group also. We'll be in the same age group next year so we'll see."

She also has a message for the young female who may be thinking of entering the competition.

"More girls should try it, it's a fun challenge," she said.

Katie is in the sixth grade at North Putnam Middle School and is the daughter of Tom and Debbie Welch.