Froid/Lake’s Jensen Shines On State Stage

Kaj Jensen

For the past three years, Froid/ Lake’s Kaj Jensen’s joyful face has been in the spotlight at the Class C state track and field meet.

Thanks to the opportunity offered by the Montana High School Association, students with developmental disabilities can compete in the Unified division in a 400-meter relay, 100-meter dash, shot put and long jump at the state event.

“There’s nothing like the Unified part of the state meet,” Josh Jensen, Kaj’s father, said. “The crowd goes nuts.”

Kaj has made the most of the chance to showcase his talents at the state meet. As both a freshman and sophomore, he ran the final leg on state champion relay teams. This past May, he and his Red Hawk teammates took second at the state meet. Kaj has also placed second at the state meet in the long jump.

This year’s Froid/Lake relay team for the Unified division also featured Rylan Young, Eddie Orozco and Cody Olson. Kaj gets the chance to pick his three relay teammates each year. Why did he choose Young, Orozco and Olson this year? “Because they are good,” Kaj explained.

The runner that hands off the baton to Kaj is always a senior. The list has included Mason Dethman, Joseph Robertson and Olson.

Parents Josh and Nicole Jensen said they didn’t realized that the Unified competition existed until they were told by a school official prior to Kaj’s freshman year. Kaj practices with the high school team throughout the track season.

“The coaches and kids are great to him,” Josh said.

Josh, who was a standout athlete in his day, says he doesn’t give his son much advice. “Just try hard and run fast,” Josh said. “Sometimes, we tell him not to smile so much, but to run his best.”

Kaj stays involved in Froid/ Lake’s athletics through the year as he serves as manager for both the football and boys’ basketball teams. Josh said that Kaj really became enthused about sports when Froid/ Lake’s football team won consecutive state championships.

“I always like watching the boys,” Kaj explained.

An added treat this year was Kaj watching his eighth-grade sister, Atley, start for the girls’ varsity team. Although he sometimes can be a bit critical of her play, he is a fan of her sister. Nicole shares that Kai says, “Atley, what are you doing?” The parents add that Kaj also likes to “help” the referees out with calls on occasion as well.

Kaj’s favorite sports teams include the Baltimore Ravens, Oregon Ducks and Baylor Bears. He decides his teams based on the mascots. He also cheers on the Montana State Bobcats because of former Red Hawk Dethman being on the football team.

Kaj is looking forward to his senior year so he can continue to support the Red Hawks and prepare for another state track appearance.

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