PA Salute To Seniors: Abby Wagner - Altoona Area HS
What was your most memorable race/competition?
My most memorable competition was the 2014 PIAA State Championships where I placed 4th in the triple jump. I had always dreamed of placing at states, but had not been able to do it the three previous years that I was there. I was also able to come away from the meet with a big PR.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
I believe that I faced my biggest competition at states. I knew going into the meet that there was a lot of talent that I had not seen before. District 6 is not a large district that provides a lot of competition, however, there are a few athletes that pushed me. In District 6, I experienced a few very talented jumpers such as Jena Toner and Veronika Karpenko. But, when I am at states there were just so many amazing athletes that I had not yet competed against.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
Placing 3rd at Indoor New Balance Nationals in the emerging elite triple jump competition. It was the first time I had been to a nationals meet and also the first time I hit a 38' jump.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
I wish I would have done indoor all four years instead of just my senior year. I believe that making the decision to give up winter gymnastics my senior year and do indoor really helped my performance going into the outdoor season.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Around January of my junior year I started experiencing knee problems. The problems carried over from my winter gymnastics season and got worse once track started. It kept me out of a few competitions. I had to put off getting arthroscopic knee surgery until August so that I could finish out my spring and summer meets to the best of my ability. The knee ailments started to come back slightly during my senior season as well, but luckily it did not hinder me and I was able to work through them.
What will you miss the most?
I will definitely miss my teammates and coaches the most. My teammates were always there to support me and push me to become a better athlete. I had the opportunity to work with some amazing coaches that turned me into the athlete that I am today.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Work hard and have fun doing whatever it is that you do. Even when the odds are against you, don't give up. My grandpa always told me "Doing what you enjoy is the secret to success." If you enjoy what you do then you will do great.
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?
My coaches have pushed me every day to be a better athlete than I was the day before. They helped me to be a better person on and off the track. My coaches work hard to not only keep me, but everyone else on the team in line with athletics and academics. They influenced me to take my jumping career to the next level, the collegiate level.
What are your college plans?
I will be attending Central Michigan University in the fall where I will be a part of their Track & Field team. I will also be studying Exercise Science in preparation for a graduate degree in Physical Therapy.
Shout-Outs?
I would like to give a shout-out to my parents, Jack & Debbie, for everything they have done. They have been my biggest supporters since day 1. I know that there will never be a meet where at least one of my parents aren't there watching me. They have done so much for me these past couple of years, especially in the sport of track & field. I couldn't have done it without them. I also want to give another shout-out to one of my amazing jumping coaches this past year, Rachel Gehret. She came in just this year and after only one short year of having her help I improved greatly. She had such an impact on me my senior year. I couldn't have asked for a better jumping coach to finish out the year with.
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