Salute To Seniors: Hannah Acton - Bloomington South

What was your most memorable meet?

 

My most memorable meet was the state meet. I remember being so nervous before the meet and then after I won the pole vault I was beyond excited. My goal all year had been to win pole vault at the state meet after placing third my junior year. So it was a great feeling to have that goal come true.

 

Who was your biggest competition?

 

My biggest competition all year was Kimyana Rudolph and Sydney Clute. They both had beat me twice during the regular season and I knew from years past that they are great vaulters. I really enjoy the competition because it pushes me to work harder and compete better.

 

Out of all of your high school accomplishments which stands out the most?
 

Winning the pole vault at the IHSAA state meet stands out the most because it was what I had been working for all year and I was so glad to be able to accomplish that goal.

 

If I could do it all over again, I would have started track my freshman year not my sophomore year. I really wish I had another year of vaulting experience. I also wish I would have tried more events my sophomore year like the long jump or sprints just to see if I could compete in them.

 

The most difficult obstacle I had to overcome was to realize that I just needed to go out and vault and have fun. At the beginning of the season I was not jumping as well as I wanted to and I kept putting more pressure on myself to do better. Once I realized that I needed to relax and have fun while vaulting, I started vaulting better and having more fun!

 

What will you miss the most?

 

I will miss my team and coaches the most. They were always very supportive and encouraging. I am so glad I had such a wonderful team and coaches.

 

Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
 

I would say to younger athletes, set a goal and then go after it. Whatever you set your mind to and work hard at, you can achieve. 

 

What are your college plans?

 

My college plans are to attend Florida State University to study biology and continue pole vaulting on their track and field team.

 

Who would you like to say thank you to?

 

I would like to say thank you to my parents for always encouraging me to reach for the stars and for being there for me during the ups and downs. I would also like to say thank you to my coaches, especially Coach Stidd and Coach Williams. They both were always willing to help me achieve my goals in whatever way possible. Staying longer at practice and analyzing video are just a few of the many ways they helped me achieve my goals!