Salute to Seniors: Alliyah Veilleux (Winslow HS)

Maine 2013 Salute to Seniors

Jun 29, 2013

Alliyah Veilleux - Winslow HS

What was your most memorable races? Winning the 100m at the Community Cup that was held this year on the re-opening of our high school track was pretty special. I currently hold 5 Winslow HS track records, so all of those races stick out, although running the 400m in 1:03.33 was an awesome accomplishment since I didn’t think I could be a long distance sprinter. Although not a race, winning the state title in discus will always be special to me. I just started discus this year!

Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most? My greatest high school accomplishment is being able to participate in 4 different sports, earn varsity letters in 12 seasons and still be able to make academics a priority. I am a member of NHS and I’m excited that I’ve earned my way to Holy Cross this fall.

If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school? I would train more seriously at the beginning of my career than I did. I never was exposed to the weight room until my senior year and I wish I had taken advantage of it my freshman year. I definitely think I was in better shape this year than any other.

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome? Being a three season athlete I have suffered from many injuries that I had to overcome. But because I had a great trainer, I was always able to work back into competition with her support.

What will you miss the most? I will miss competing with my friends and everyone that I’ve grown up with over the years.

What advice you would give to younger athletes? Take training seriously but understand it’s not your life and have fun with your teammates. Create a good, fun atmosphere to make the long seasons more bearable. Get together as a team for dinners and take lots of pictures!

What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals? I’ve had quite a few track coaches over the years but I think the coach that stands out the most and has had the most influence would be Coach Kerry Smart. She understood me and pushed me in a way only she could. She unfortunately learned she had breast cancer this year and was unable to coach but I made sure I did everything I could to make her proud of me. My dad was in touch with her at the state meet to keep her updated about my results and she was more excited than he was!

What are your college plans? I will be attending the College of the Holy Cross and I will be running for the track and field team.

Who would you like to say thank you to? I would like to thank all my coaches and my parents for pushing me to be the person and the athlete that I am.

Personal Bests

100 Meter Dash 12.57
200 Meter Dash 26.53
400 Meter Dash 1:01.33
55 Meter Dash 7.36
Discus 104-10
Shot Put 35-4.25

Want to be featured in our Salute To Seniors series? Drop me a line: Dveilleux@milesplit.us and answer the questions above! And if you can, point us to a pic or two or include them with your email. Make sure you have the right to use it, please.