HS Bloggers: Aleta Looker Ellsworth HS #7

Follow senior Aleta Looker of Ellsworth during her senior indoor track season. Looker is the defending 800m Class B champion, and was All-NE last year in the 1000 meters. She is known for her 800m prowess on the track where she's run the #2 outdoor 800m in Maine history, 2:14.30, she also has the fastest ever 1000m time in Maine history

 

Hi everyone,

This past Wednesday was the Ellsworth Indoor Track team's first official speed workout (besides sliding around on icy roads and grinding up stairs then down the halls of the high school) in the dome at UMaine's campus. Sharing the turf with other Eastern Maine teams, we all experienced the exciting nature of an indoor track meet - with many athletes packed into a tight space! It was really fun to see familiar faces and a change in scenery.

Friday and Saturday were spent at the 45th Dartmouth Relays! The field house was impressive, especially the newly surfaced six lane track. It was fantastic to be reunited with some teammates from my amazing trip to Puerto Rico, a few faces from college visits, and fellow friendly Mainers from Waterville and Bangor. Cheering on trackies from your own state at a meet packed with tons of different people feels essential and adds a tangible feel to such a new atmosphere. My favorite part was watching my sophomore "shining star" Elizabeth Perry throw a PR in the shot put! Celebrating my Coach's birthday before we left with a homemade yellow-cake cherry cheesecake was enjoyable too!

My second time on an indoor track was a blast! Running around two seconds off of my PR my first 800 of the season was surprising and gave me confidence over where I'm at in my training. The overall race strategics felt like perfect preparation for later. The PVC meet at Colby we were planning to catch on the way home was cancelled, so we spent a slow drive home listening to alternative radio, laughing, joking, and planning for events to come soon.

I'd like to personally thank everyone from the Maine running community for all of the memories and adventures throughout my four years in high school, and now for all of the support I've received with my college decision. After verbally committing to Georgetown University this past week - I can't fully express the gratitude I have toward friends, family, and now the team I'll be a part of in the fall. Being offered the opportunity was mind blowing! The brilliant coaching staff, talented and exceptional team, and beautiful campus made me feel immediately welcomed. Writing this feels totally surreal, but I can't wait to learn how to be the best I can be there. My advice to all of the underclassmen and seniors in the crazy decision making process is : although it may seem way over your head or nearly impossible, just reach for the stars to work to discovering your full potential. This is your chance! You will surprise yourself. Congratulations to all the competitors at the Dartmouth Relays and to everyone else who had races and events this weekend. Don't worry Eastern Maine kids, we'll have a regular season meet soon! Go Hoyas!

-Aleta