WGHS Athletes Locked In For Region Tune-up Meet

At the region tune up meet athletes are coming in focused, confident, and ready to improve. Many competitors shared their goals, preparation, and mindset leading into the meet showing a mix of determination and self belief. 
by Kimaya Campbell

Amelia Betha is aiming high, saying she’s “hoping to get a PR and just do good,” with a specific goal like, “really, like a low 12.5 for the 100, and the 200 like 25, and then for the 4x1, a low 49.” She describes herself as “very confident,” and said she wants to “just get my speed up, really.” Her mindset is strong, adding, “I just think, like, I got this, and really, nobody is better than me out here.”

Julius Tate is also focused on improvement, simply stating his goal is to “run a faster PR,” with a target of “110 hurdles 14.8, 300 hurdles 39.” He said, “Pretty confident; there's going to be a lot of competition, so just go out there and compete.” When asked what he needs to work on, he states, “My time.” Julius also prepares for a big meet like this by praying.

Zy Burce is thinking about both himself and his team, saying, “For us to all win for our meet.” He’s aiming for a “PR and high jump 6’2,” and said, “I'm feeling very confident.” He is focused on “better technique” and prepares by saying, “I go around just talking, stretch, and do me.”

Ty Burce is hoping to return to form, sharing, “To get back in my groove and get 6’8 again for high jump,” and, “I'm feeling very confident.” He focused on “my 400 run,” aiming for a “50.5 in the 400,” and says, “I get a good warm-up in, and I listen to some music.”

Matthew Adams brings intensity, saying, “I’m really, really fast. You know, I kinda carry my 4x2 team. I'm looking to, you know, get a good PR in our 4x2, possibly break the school record.” He’s aiming for “like 22.5 in the 200,” and explained, “You know, it's a little confidence there; it's more determination. Like I have to. It’s not like I want to, I absolutely have to, so you know.” He also mentioned, “I got to get ready for shin splints, because, you know, they are slowing me down. I could be breaking school records left and right, right now, but you know, it’s just the shin splints—they hold me back.” He described his mindset: “I just get in that zone, you feel me? Like, you just psych out.”

Iyonna Taylor is also aiming high, saying, “[I want to] PR in my 200 and run a 27.1, [and] PR in the 4x1.” She added, “I feel great, I'm very, very confident. Like, I'm on 10 about this.” She wants to improve, “Maybe my form and my arms, ‘cause it's just a lot going on. ‘Cause when I'm running, I'm just all over the place, but I still get there, you know? Yeah.” She keeps her routine simple: “I really just relax, warm up, relax, listen to music. That's it, just be chill.”

Overall, these athletes are heading into the meet with confidence, determination, and clear goals, ready to push themselves and compete at their best.