Name: Emma Egan
School: Yarmouth High School
What was your most memorable race?
It may not have been an actual running race, but high jumping at indoor nationals this year was my most memorable competition. It was incredible to see the amount of talent there is out there, and I had a blast jumping with just a few of the best jumpers across America
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
She may not have been there for all four of my high school years, but Kate Hall was my biggest competition in the sprints and long jump. Kate is obviously a strong competitor, but also an incredibly kind person who is willing to share her tips and tricks. Every time I was seeded against Kate, I knew it would only push me further and help me to better myself.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment would have to be my 5'8 high jump at the Western Maine Conference meet, which helped me to earn the Western Maine award for Outstanding Player in the field events.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I think a major key to my success this past year was my work off the track and in the weight room. If I was to do it all over again I would definitely start lifting a lot earlier. My lifting and training program helped me to gain balance and coordination which are key to both the sprints and jumps.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The obstacle I struggled with the most was my mental game. High jump is an incredibly mental sport, and no matter how well you do, the event always ends in a failed attempt. I was very lucky to have great friends and teammates who would keep me relaxed at the event, doing random yoga moves, dancing around, and sharing laughs. I performed best when I had friends by my side, and as I've gotten older, I've found ways to make myself calmer at meets. I'm definitely still trying to overcome my mental blocks, but I'm getting much better at taking them less seriously.
What will you miss the most?
I'll miss my team more than anything else. Each person had their own quirks that made me actually want to go to every practice, even on hard workout days. The team never ceases to amaze me and make me laugh, and I'm going to miss the tight community we had.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
Two words: Have. Fun. My first few years of track I put very high expectations on myself, and I would push myself to my limits to achieve my goals. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but just keep in mind that you're doing track because you like it! Try to enjoy your time out on the track, and don't take yourself too seriously. Also, find a good pre-meet ritual and treat yourself! I would recommend playing excessive amounts of Mario Kart or watching Harry Potter and eating chocolate covered pretzels, but that's just me.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
Over my time at Yarmouth High I had the pleasure to work with many coaches who all attributed to the athlete and person I am. Mike Griffin, John Rogers, and Chuck Thorp taught me how to be a dedicated athlete even when I didn't want to be, Christie Orcutt, Hank Richards, and John Beatty taught me to never devalue my own strength, and Adam Smith and Jeff Averill taught me how to have fun and enjoy the ride.
What are your college plans?
I plan to go to Williams College this fall and run/jump for their track team. Not sure what I'll be studying yet, but hey! That's what college is for right?
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I'd like to thank all of the coaches who I mentioned before, they all brought something special to the table, and I couldn't have succeeded without them. A huge thanks also goes out to my trainer, Peter Clark who has pushed me to be better and stronger, and listened to me complaining about working out for over a year now. Also a huge thanks to all of my teammates who pushed me further, and to all of my competitors who over the years have become my friends. Oh and my family, duh.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I would like to personally apologize to anyone who has had to suffer through my terrible dance moves.
