After many seasons filled with success, the IHS Outdoor Track and Field team hopes to build on its past victories and continue to break records. Coming off a very successful indoor track and field season, with a first-place finish at State Qualifiers for Weight Throw, and an astounding third-place finish in the Emerging Elite Section of New Balance Indoor Nationals, Kalena Yearwood ‘19 hopes to continue her success into the outdoor track and field season. I recently sat down with Kalena to discuss her goals for the upcoming outdoor season, and her plans for continuing track and field in college.
Asha Duhan ‘19: Why did you choose to do track?
Kalena Yearwood ‘19: Originally, my mother said that I needed to choose a spring sport in 7th grade, and I had to choose between track and lacrosse. I ended up choosing track because I really liked the large number of events, and there was lots of variety to choose from, based on abilities and interests. Starting out, I was a runner, and primarily ran the 100m and the 200m. Throughout the season, I proved that I was flexible and strong, [and] my coach recommended that I would be better suited to throw shot put and discus.
AD: How was your last indoor track season? Did you accomplish your individual goals?
KY: It went much better than I expected. I always set high goals for myself, and I did not quite meet them . . . I wanted to push myself to a new level of mental preparation in competition, but I did not meet my goal directly. In addition, as a co-captain, I wanted to try to be one of the best leaders that I could be, act as a role model that my teammates could look up to. Despite my progress and achievement, I still think I have a lot more work to do.
AD: How do you feel your last indoor track season was different from other seasons?
KY: I was definitely more mature. I envisioned my success more. With my junior track season, I saw a plateau with my technique. My mentality coming into senior year was that I could do anything I wanted to, and that I should advance many steps further than I did last year. I also wanted to go out with a bang, become more mature, and be ready for the competition.
AD: What are your personal and team goals for the outdoor track season?
KY: Going into the indoor season, for shot put, I want to throw farther, and go after one of the high school records that has stood for 36 years. I was able to break that record, and now I hold a current record for shot put. In the spring, for discus, I want to improve my technique, and throw more fluidly. In terms of our team goals, I want to help build a more cohesive team that is like a family. We also want to win STAC and do well at Ithaca Relays.
AD: Do you plan to continue track in college?
KY: Towards the end of my junior year, I was recruited to continue throwing in college, and I am in the process of being recruited now. By the end of junior year, when I went to states, I started to be contacted by many coaches. I contacted coaches too, and the process has been interesting, as I’ve learned to develop my own individuality. I think the most important lesson I’ve learned from the recruitment process is to take initiative and reach out.