KATHRYN FOREMAN
Interview with Kathryn Foreman
Kathryn, how did you begin your running career?
I was being home schooled when my brother started running for Landmark Christian. I was then given the opportunity to start training with Coach Thorne. My first day was so tough and I was unable to finish the repetitions in my workout. I was 12 years old at the time.
What do you like about track and field?
I like to meet the spectators and begin new friendships. I’ve really enjoyed meeting other athletes through the Peachtree City Flash Track Club. Savannah Carnahan and I have become good friends as well. We have raced against each other a couple of times this year.
What motivates you to compete?
I feel as though I am running for God’s glory. I like to listen to the song ‘Forever Reign’ by Hillsong United to get me pumped before races.
What is your most memorable moment?
The USATF Cross Country Nationals is my most memorable moment. I was so scared at the start of the race because I was in the 50th position but moved all the way up to 6th place by the finish.
Who in your life inspires you the most?
Coach G, who is also my pastor, inspires me the most. He is a great role model on and off the track.
Kathryn, what events will you participate in at the state meet?
I will be running the 1600m and the 3200m along with my sister, Sarah.
What are your personal records?
1600m = 5:13, 3200m = 11:22, Pole Vault = 6ft
What are your goals for the 2012 season?
I want to break 5:10 in the 1600m and break 11:20 in the 3200m.
Let’s find out a little more about Kathryn. What is your favorite food?
Vanilla ice cream
What do you like to do for fun?
I love to sing. I participated in the GMEA All-State Chorus competition.
What is your favorite movie?
Pride and Prejudice
Kathryn attends Landmark Christian and she is grounded in her faith. Her favorite Bible verse is John 3:16.
MAX WARNER
Interview with Max Warner
Max, how did you get started in track and field?
Well, my sister was already a runner. Then I broke my arm playing basketball. So my mom wanted me to play a non-contact sport and decided that I should run.
How long have you been running?
I’ve been running for two years now.
What events do you run?
I run the 400m, 800m, and the 1600m. My favorite event is the 1600m because you have to have the right combination of speed and stamina.
What are your goals for 2012?
I want to improve my times in all of my events. I hope to run in the low 4:40’s by the end of the season in the 1600m.
How many days a week do you workout?
I practice about 6 days a week.
What is your favorite workout?
I love 400m repeats. I always feel ready to race fast afterwards.
Max, who do you look up to and why?
I look up to my sister, Megan. She excels in everything she does. Whatever she sets her mind to, she completes it.
What is your favorite food?
My favorite food is pasta.
What is your favorite movie?
Fire on the Track is my favorite movie
Max attends Otwell MS. He enjoys playing basketball and swimming.
MACKENZIE DUNMORE
Interview with Makenzie Dunmore
Makenzie, how did you begin running track and field?
My mom and stepdad would always see me running around everywhere and thought I had potential.
What events do you run?
I run the 100m, 200m, and the 400m.
What do you like about track and field?
I get to run, meet new friends, and I like to win.
What motivates you to keep running so well?
My coach keeps me motivated. She always has these talks with me before meets and helps me to understand that I have a gift.
You had an injury during the summer season. How have you grown from that situation?
I was able to sit back and get my mind ready for the next season. I wanted to keep working hard and get back in shape.
What are your personal records in your events?
Well, my main focus is the 400m. My fastest time last year was 54 seconds before I got hurt.
Makenzie, what advice would you give to someone who aspires to run the 400m?
I would tell them to make sure they stretch… It is important to prepare yourself for the race.
Who do you look up to and why?
I look up to my coach. She use to run track and knows what it takes. She also talks to me about my future and pushes me to do better in school.
What do you like to do for fun?
I like to hang out with friends and eat.
Makenzie attends Pine Mountain MS and runs for the Boys & Girls Track Club. She is the reigning Georgia MS Track and Field State champion and record holder in the 200m and 400m. Makenzie also cheers throughout the year.
CARSON DINGLER
Interview with Carson Dingler
Carson, how did you begin your track and field career?
My father competed in the pole vault during his college years and wanted me to try it. I was doing gymnastics, basketball, and soccer before I started the pole vault.
What other events do you compete in besides the pole vault?
I also run the 100m and the 4x100m relay.
You are the state’s top middle school pole vaulter. What are the factors that contribute to your success?
The main factor for my success would be my trust in God. He really helps me through difficult times in training and staying focused.
What school do you attend?
I am a 7th grader at Gilmer/Clear Creek MS in Ellijay, Georgia.
Why do you like the Pole Vault?
I really enjoy jumping high and competing against other athletes.
What is your personal record?
My best mark is 10’6”
Carson, what are your goals for 2012?
I want to clear 11’6” at the state meet.
What would be your advice to young girls who want to get started in the pole vault?
I would tell them to find a good coach.
You are doing some great things in the pole vault at such a young age. What is your most memorable moment in the event?
My most memorable moment is when I broke the state record last year.
Who has the most influence in your life?
My father does. He is a good athlete and he can relate to the struggles of being a student/athlete.
Carson is a true student of the sport. She is coached by her father, Kip and Aaron James. She maintains a grade point average of 4.0 and trains for the pole vault 4 times a week. This past fall, Carson suffered a fractured hip playing soccer but is back to her winning ways heading into the state championships. Pizza is Carson’s favorite food and her favorite movie is ‘The Hunger Games’. The Bible verse, Philippians 4:13 has a serious impact on Carson’s motivation for success and her character.
MARIELLE LEWIS
Interview with Marielle Lewis
Marielle, how old were you when you began your track and field career?
I started running when I was 3 years old.
What events do you compete in?
I run the 800m, 400m hurdles, and the 400m.
What is your most memorable moment in the sport?
My most memorable moment is when I won the AAU Junior Olympics. I was 9 years old at the time.
What school do you attend?
I’m an 8th grader at Palmer MS in Cobb County.
So, what do you like about track and field?
I really enjoy the competition and winning. I’ve been running for a long time and but winning never gets old.
Marielle, what are your goals for 2012?
I want to get faster in all my events and handle pressure better. Sometimes it feels like there is so much against me before I get on the track.
Are there any athletes on your team that you look up to and help motivate you?
I would have to say my teammate, Kennedy Simon. She is younger than me but trains really hard to be the best.
What is your favorite workout?
My favorite workout is 800m compound workouts.
You’ve been running for such a long time. What do you do for fun?
I like to just relax and hang out with friends.
What is your favorite food?
My favorite food is rice.
What is your favorite movie?
My favorite movie is The Help.
Marielle is one of the country’s premier track and field athletes. She is a tremendous competitor who loves to put in hard work. Marielle runs for the Gazelle Track Club in Cobb County.