For four years, Kim Mayes enjoyed watching her son, Keaton, compete at cross country and track meets and baseball and basketball games at Wellsville-Middletown High School.

Now, she’s sad that her son’s outstanding career as a four-sport athlete as W-M has come to an end.

“He’s been such an anchor for everything,” Kim said. “He’s such a leader. Every boy looks up to him. He’s so humble, but so talented and so smart. He’s destined for greatness. I don’t know what it is, but it’s something big. I really believe it.”

Keaton Mayes enjoyed a strong senior year that included trips to the state meets in cross country and track and the Show-Me Showdown in basketball. He also played baseball.

On May 4, Keaton was recognized for his hard work in athletics during a W-M sports banquet at the school’s cafeteria. The school honored all of the sports teams for the 2021-22 school year.

“He’s so good at everything, but he’s also so humble,” Kim said. “He doesn’t want the attention. It makes him feel awkward for people to say nice things all of the time about him. But he deserves them.”

Keaton left the cafeteria with a big honor. He was one of two athletes who received the W-M Athletic Booster Scholarship, which is given to an athlete who is successful in both athletics and in the classroom.

“It feels very nice to be recognized for all of those qualities,” Keaton said.

During the banquet, W-M had a senior night ceremony for the five seniors who played sports this spring, and Keaton was one of them. Keaton also went to senior night ceremonies for cross country and basketball.

“It’s bittersweet knowing that it’s the last year I compete in those sports,” Keaton said. “During basketball senior night, I got pretty emotional because it was the last time I got to play on this court again. It makes me remember all of the great four years I had.”

Keaton competed in cross country all four years. When he was a freshman, he won the individual title of the Linn Invitational and competed at the Class 1 state meet. In November, he helped the Tigers finish third in the state meet.

During his four-year basketball career, Keaton helped the boys basketball team win three district championships. He also earned all-Eastern Missouri Conference honors twice, including a second-team award this winter. In March, he helped the boys basketball team place fourth at the Class 1 Final Four.

Kim said she was thrilled that her son helped two W-M teams place in the top four in state competition in a span of four months. His name is on the cross country and basketball banners at the school’s gymnasium.

“That was such a goal,” Kim said. “I’m so happy that he achieved that.”

Keaton’s baseball career ended on May 12, when the Tigers lost to Glasgow 3-2 in 10 innings in a Class 1 district quarterfinal.

During his three-year baseball career, Mayes helped the Tigers win two district championships, including one last year.

Last spring, Mayes earned a medal at the Class 1 state meet by helping the 4x800 place eighth. He also participated in the 4x800 at state in his freshman year.

Mayes wrapped up his track career on May 21 with another trip to the Class 1 state meet in Jefferson City. He finished 16th in the 800 and helped the 3,200-meter relay team come in 12th.

Mayes said his four years at W-M have been pretty memorable.

“I’m going to cherish this a lot,” Mayes said. “I have been dreading the day I have to walk across the stage and receive my diploma. High school has been filled with so many memories and relationships that will last a lifetime.”