Katie Dammer had the meet record on her mind for three years.
On Monday afternoon, it became a reality. Dammer, an Abington Heights senior has been shooting for Lisa Roder's 1995 1,600-meter District 2 AAA meet record of 4:55.04. A year ago, the then-junior Dammer was a mere .31 off the time in a runaway winning effort.
It was a runaway once again for Dammer, but she liked the time a lot more this time around. She clocked in at 4:54.24 to capture her third straight district crown in the event.
"I knew that I'm in a lot better shape than I was in last year, so I knew as long as I was in it mentally, that my legs would be able to get me there," she said. "It was closer than I would have wanted it to be, but I took it out too hard, I think, but that's what it's going to take to be competitive next week."
It also had some more personal significance for Dammer, a future Hoya.
"I've been gunning for (the record) for a few years, so to get it is nice," Dammer said. "The girl who had it--Lisa Roder--she also ran at Georgetown, so that's a cool serendipitous thing for me that we have the same college."
Watch Race Videos From The PIAA District 2 AAA Championships
The 1,600 win came after Dammer ran a leg on Abington Heights' second place 4x800-meter relay (she split 2:16-mid). After the four-lapper, she came back to win the 3,200 meters in 10:55.01 and regrouped quickly to run a leg on the runner-up 4x400-meter relay squad.
Not a bad finish to the district career for the best D2 distance runner we've seen since Tessa Barrett.
Next up for Dammer will be the PIAA State Championships in about a week and a half's time. Last year, Dammer came in fresh to the 1,600, but this year she'll change it up. The senior will be chasing the 3,200/1,600 double.
I think I have the experience. I have the confidence now, just from my other meets," Dammer added"My coach and I were saying 'why not?' You have this fitness you've been working on for four years, why not see what you can do with it."
Watch the race above and check out the full interview with Dammer below:
