It's more than running in cirlces

A prelim of my life as a track athlete: 

My journey through life as a track runner hasn't always been as easy as "run fast and turn left." I knew I wanted to be a part of the Sacred Heart Track Team in middle school when I was beating the boys during the P.E. fitness test. I immediately joined the track team when I met the age requirements and convinced my mom to coach. I found a lot of success while at Sacred Heart. I took advantage of the knowledge of my coaches (along with help from the high school coaches) and figured out how to use starting blocks in sixth grade. I won countless championship meets, broke school records, and started to develop a love for the sport. As my passion to succeed grew, so did my nerves. As an 8th grader, completely prepared to be successful at the championship meet, I skipped the 200 meter dash, and cried in the bathroom because I was so nervous.

Thankfully, the high school coaches didn't hold it against me, and I found more success and confidence when I joined the Dowling Catholic Track Team. I enjoyed the days of lifting weights, repeat 300's, and Sunday practices with Coach Tom. I found a love for the 4x100-meter relay, but I loathed working exchanges. My lack of experience showed countless times during my freshman year, as I couintually dropped the baton or left the zone too early. Dropping the baton in the finals of the 4x100 at the Drake Relays was a particular memory that stuck with me. 

I finally found my stride during my sophomore year. I was more compeitive and was becoming more comfortable with my coaches and teammates. It wasn't until my junior year that I found "memorable success." After running in the off-season, and training a bit harder, I finally was able to score individually in the state meet, finishing fourth in the 200. As a powerhouse of a school, Dowling is always very successful in stacking relays and placing high as a team, but that wasn't good enough for me. I wanted to shine as an individual. I started to set school records and eventually broke my own. I collected my medals, which motivated me to work harder. 

After training all summer, fall, and winter, by senior year I was a force on the track. I was able to remain undefeated in the 200 meter dash all year, and claimed the state title, while setting a new school record. I hepled anchor the 4x100 relay to a state championship also, managing to hold onto the baton this time! (Four years of practice seemed to be enough!) I enjoyed placing third in the Drake Relays and running new personal bests every time I ran the 100 meter dash. I walked away from Dowling with two state championships, a D1 athletic scholarship, and a completely changed lifestlye.

Everyday I head to the Blue Oval at 3:30 p.m. to look for a chance to improve. As an MVC all-conference performer during the 2014 Outdoor Missouri Valley Conference meet, I am eager to achieve more than what I have. In order to embrace every opportunity and use every talent I have been blessed with, I have added the pentathlon and heptathlon to my event list, along with the 100, 200, and 400 meter