Today, we salute Terri Turner of Penn Wood. Turner just concluded a very decorated career in Pennsylvania track and field and cross country. Turner ran a PR of 2:08.58 to win the indoor state title in the 800 meters this past winter. She was also apart of a number of Penn Wood's 4x400 meter relay state championship squads, which now hold the indoor and outdoor state meet records. Turner suffered an injury late in her senior season, but the Columbia-bound middle distance runner certainly left her mark on the track and field/XC scene in PA.
Throughout the end of June and through July we we be honoring our graduating seniors. To submit your own questionnaire to be posted on the front page of PennTrackXC, check out this page and email your responses to Dan Beck (daniel.beck@flosports.tv).
To check out all the Salute To Senior submissions so far,click here
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What was your most memorable race/competition?
My most memorable race was winning the 2017 Indoor State Championship in the 800m in 2:08.58, US#2 (watch the race above!). I set that goal during the first day of indoor practice of my final season and worked hard to reach it.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
I had a few big competitions, including winning the 2015 AAU Junior Olympics in the 800m against the 10-time national record holder and the defending champion. Another big recent competition was the 2017 New Balance Games placing 2ndin the 600 against the national record holder at that time.
Out of all your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
The accomplishment that stands out the most is winning the 2017 Indoor State Championship in the 800m followed by anchoring the 4x4 later that day and breaking the 12-year meet record in the 4x4.Also, recently being inducted into The Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame (Delaware County Chapter), receiving The Scholar Athlete Award and being selected as recipient of the Bo and Kelly Ryan Student-Athlete Scholarship Award were huge accomplishments to end my season as well.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
I would not change anything. I feel my entire journey throughout high school has helped me become remarkably resilient in dealing with challenging life lessons. I feel all things happen for a reason and now I am ready for the next chapter in my life at college.
Photo by Don Rich
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Spraining my ankle during my final outdoor season at the Delco Championship and unknowingly running at Districts on torn ankle ligaments were difficult obstacles to overcome. The timing of my first injury, not being able to run and allowing my body to heal has been tough. However, I am thankful to receive physical therapy from a great Sports Medicine Team and looking forward to resume running in college very soon.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss hanging out with my friends and the sleepovers after the meets.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
My advice is always set achievable goals athletically as well as academically, and work hard to reach them.
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?
Coach Lenny has helped train me to reach my goal of winning the 800m at 2017 Indoor State Championship. Coach Hunter gave me the confidence and mental toughness I needed to reach that goal. More importantly, Coach Hunter also supported me when I had set high academic goals in choosing a college.
What are your post-high school plans?
I will be attending Columbia University to continue achieving my new academic and athletic goals.
Shout-outs?
I would like to thank my mom, grandmom and big sister for being my biggest fans and always supporting me.
