“Projected Top 2012 Iowa High School Track & Field Athletes” Interview -
Sarah Pate, Junior, Clarke HS, Osceola
1. When & how did you get started in track & field? I started throwing in the 7th grade. Originally I wasn't going to participate in track & field, but the day before practice started a friend talked me into going out with her. I honestly didn't know what I was getting myself involved in. My coach, Doug McAnelly suggested I try throwing. After a week of practice, I was hooked.
2. Person/people most influential to your success in track & field? My middle school coach saw potential in me and would even work with me after practice had finished. My softball coach, Lindsay Diehl, worked with me the last two years. She had thrown shot and discus at Clarke. Coach Renee Henry has always been my biggest fan and supports me anyway she can.
3. Your favorite track & field event(s)? Shot put
4. Your track & field event coach(es)? Renee Henry
5. Keys to your successful track & field training program? I don't have an off-season training program for track and field. After the track and field season is over I'm off to play softball. During the winter months I play basketball. It's not until basketball is over that I start concentrating on throwing.
6. Your favorite track & field meet? Drake Relays
7. Track & field athlete(s) you most enjoy competing against? I competed against Hally Lenzine my freshmen year. She was a senior and she pushed me to be better. We competed against each other at several meets.
8. Your greatest experience in track & field so far? My greatest experience was competing at the Drake Relays.
9. Goals for the 2012 track & field season? My goals this year is to qualify for the Drake Relays in shot put, return to State in shot put and discus, and throw over 43' in shot put, breaking my current school record.
10. Long-term goals in track & field? My long term goal is to attend college and compete in throwing events.