PA Salute To Seniors: Alexandra Heuer - Boyertown HS
What was your most memorable race/competition?
My most memorable race was the DMR at indoor states 2014 with Erin Akins(1200m), Jill Bertino(800m), and Emily Schumaker (1600m). We qualified for states at our second to last meet and were so excited to be going to states as a relay team; it meant so much to go as a team. We were running strong and when Erin Akins (1200m) and I (400m) were handing off we dropped the baton twice and still managed to pull off an 8th place medal. Although it wasn’t how we planned it, it made that race so exciting and so shocked to place at states. I wouldn’t go back and change a thing about that race because of the memories and laughs we got from it.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
I faced my biggest competition at States this year in the 300H finals. I competed with my friends from District 1 Uchechi Onuoha and Caroline Duffy along with many other talented athletes from other districts I have never competed with before. I ended 4th and could have not been more happy for myself and the other athletes.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
My high school accomplishment that stands out the most to me is being the first girl in Boyertown history to go to states in 3 events (300H, 100H, and Triple Jump). It is such an honor to hold that title at my own high school.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
I would have gone back and done winter track my freshman year. I believe after I joined winter track I became a much more serious and dedicated athlete to the sport. I gained speed and strength and became an all around better athlete.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
I battled with a back injury my junior and senior year which frustrated me most of the time. It was hard competing in such pounding events like the hurdles and triple jump with an on going back injury.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss my teammates, competitors, and coaches the most. My teammates became my closest friends in high school and we were always there to support one another. My competitors shaped me into the competitor I am today. I made some amazing friendships over the years with many of the girls who I will miss greatly. I was lucky enough to have coaches who became more like family to me and made me the athlete I am today.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Track is mental. Don’t think at competitions that is what practice is for, just do what you know how to do. Enjoy every moment and make friends with your competitors they aren’t your enemies. They are the ones who will make you better at the end of the day. Practice hard and remember bad days make the good days even sweeter. Have fun in high school because these are the memories you’ll remember forever.
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?
My coaches saw my talent from day one and from then on they continued to stick by my side. They pushed me everyday and made sure I was physically and mentally ready. My coaches treated me like their own and made sure I was making the right decisions on and off the track. They supported all my decisions and made sure my academics were on track throughout the years. They influenced me to become a better person and to set my goals high because I can reach them if I work hard enough. I was lucky to have such supportive and involved coaches over my high school career.
What are your college plans?
I plan on attending University of Delaware this fall 2014. I will be on the track team and will be rooming with another District 1 athlete Elizabeth McGroarty. I am going in Undecided, but leaning towards majoring in Biology.
Shout-Outs?
I would like to thank my parents for all their support over my high school career. I couldn’t have asked for better parents, they were there for me on the good days and the bad. They never stopped supporting me and helped me become a better person everyday. They continuously believed in me and were my biggest fans. Thank you to my coaches Joseph McGlinchey, Dave Hartman, and Ron Livers for shaping me into the athlete I am today and always believing in me. I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere without these 3 talented coaches. They helped me get physically trained, mentally prepared, and taught me how to enjoy the moment. Last of all thank you to my teammates and competitors who became my close friends because you all made practices and meets so much fun and enjoyable with unforgettable memories. I am so blessed to have these people in my life.
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