Cedar Crest’s Kaddel Howard will be revered for more than medals

When Kaddel Howard descended from the PIAA Class 3A 400-meter medal stand May 23 at Shippensburg University’s Seth Grove Stadium, not so much as a smile covered her face. She didn’t voice any words. She had no body language.

The Cedar Crest senior and Florida recruit had just completed her fourth consecutive state-title run. Elation, jubilation and pride would’ve blanketed many of the faces atop the podium — but not Howard’s. The placement was what she had aimed for, but the result was not how Howard envisioned punctuating her career.

She covered the rain-glistened surface in 54.56 seconds, three seconds behind her District 3 championships time (51.48) when she established the state record. Howard had tweaked her hamstring at the previous meet, preventing her from emptying the reserves in her curtain call. It was a toss-up if she would even run the PIAA race.

“I would tell my freshman self that no matter how hard things get, to always just stick with it and keep pushing,” Howard said, clutching the historic PIAA four-peat medal. “Because it does get better, and it’s very rewarding. I’ve learned a lot over these years.”

The learning has gone hand-in-hand with the performances. But what most didn’t notice was the growth in how Howard carried herself.

She doesn’t throw her arms up in celebration once she breaks the proverbial tape. She doesn’t interact with competitors before events, seemingly keeping her eyes forward at all times. She’s humble and graceful despite obliterating the rest of the field anytime she steps onto the track.

“I’m extremely proud,” Howard said. “Life hasn’t always been perfect. It always had its ups and downs, so knowing that I’ve been able to take all this in and still perform to the best of my ability, it’s been great.”

The positive mindset always persevered whether she shattered a new record or performed below her personal standard. With a spotlight consistently thrown on her, Howard absorbed the heat in stride — never faltering or shying from the competition and expectations.

Her PIAA race fit the underwhelming mold. Rather than fixate on the negatives, Howard emphasized the desire and hunger to return to form.

“It didn’t end the way I wanted it to,” Howard said, “but I still came out with the win, so it’s a win-win situation. I know I could’ve done better, but I’m still very grateful for this race.”

Howard’s story is far from over, but her high school chapter has closed. She won four straight Lancaster-Lebanon League 400 titles and accomplished the same feat at the District 3 stage.

“I’ve faced a lot of adversities,” Howard said. “Right now, I’m injured, but I’ve learned to not let any setbacks overcome me. I just take it and move on, because I know I can do better, and I don’t want to take it too personal.”

Howard is the consummate example. The accolades are a large sum in that label, but more importantly, because of how she carried herself.

“I’ve been waiting for this day,” Howard said as her closing remarks. “I know I’m gonna get very emotional because this is my last high school track meet. But to take it out with a win, it’s very rewarding.”