Last Track Banquet

Heather's last track banquet tonight. As a senior on the hurdle team she presented Coach Knowles with his gift. Heather lettered this year which was awesome. Track is a difficult sport to letter in. An athlete must win a Varsity race and/or post a time. Heather broke 50 seconds on the 300m Hurdles which earned her a letter, and she also placed a couple of times. The last photo shows all 4 years of track banquets.  This kid has stuck it out and made the most of each year in sickness and in health. This year was her healthiest, and this year she saw the most improvement in her time. She did such an amazing job and we couldn't be prouder!

Nearing the Finish Line for School

Heather is nearing the finish line with school. I hung her uniform up to dry for the last time and had a sentimental moment. She is working on some service hours for her government class. Heather is already receiving a service cord for service rendered over the past two years, but government wants the service in the time frame of the semester she's in government. So, Heather has added some activities. She helped feeding grandpa this month, she helped box some clothes for a shelter, and she has been working with her former first grade teacher, Miss Ashlock/Mrs. Hunter. It's cute to see her being teacher grading papers and organizing, and super cute that she's doing it for her first grade teacher. Although I'm a little bugged that the Government teacher was so particular about the service the kids logged, I'm happy Heather has had this experience to reach out, outside of church, and serve in the community.

This Is It - Heather's Last Meet

Today Heather competed in her last Sunset League Final. She did a great job, but it was all about the relationships that were made. The athletes ran their races, but in between they hung out together cheering each other on and reminiscing. The top picture is of Heather and Cora during one of their first meets together and then at this last meet. It was great to recreate that picture. They have been friends on track and at church. Taylor and Clarissa and Gina have also been with Heather since middle school. Such great girls. Can't wait to see what amazing things they do in the future. It's going to be so weird not to have track meets from January to May each year, but we have enjoyed every minute.

Sunset League Prelims and The Blairs

Uncle Shane and Aunt Michelle wanted to come to California and see Heather run in a track meet before her track season ended. She qualified for the Sunset League finals while they were here! Yay! They soaked up some sun and visited Grandpa Ron, too. Uncle Shane had to drive back to get back to work, but Aunt Michelle will stay a few more days.

Sports and Burgers

Jenna set at her tournament today and Heather ran at OC Champs (top runners in So Cal). Jenna's gym was air conditioned; Heather's track was not. It was a hot, hot day at about 100+ degrees. We met at Jerry's Wood Fired Dogs in Ladera Ranch near Jenna's tournament for dinner. It did not disappoint.

Last Home Meet for Heather

Last school home meet of Heather's high school track career. She did great, and the team's seniors soaked it in. We've spent 4 years in the track and field program, and it's going to be so strange not to be a part of this program anymore. We're so proud of you Heather!

Photo Finish

Photo finish for 2nd and 3rd today in the Varsity 300m Hurdle race. Heather had a 3rd place finish missing 2nd by just .01 seconds, AND had another PR. Great race today!

Beach Cities Invitational

Heather PR'd today at the Beach Cities Invitational in the 300m Hurdles. This put her 8th overall which was amazing. Mr. Mosher (Grace's dad) was there with one of his athletes from Ocean View, and he clocked Heather's hurdles and was able to give her some great feedback. He's such a great guy and so supportive!

Redondo Nike Invitational

Heather ran in the Redondo Nike Invitational today. Her first race was amazing as she kicked into 2nd place in her heat matching her PR in the Variety 100m hurdles. She had high hopes for the 300m hurdles as this is her strong race, however, FIVE HOURS later at the start time, the fog was so thick and cold she did not run her best race. She may have shivered through the whole thing. Huge weather bummer. She's excited to have had a good race earlier in the day placing in the top third overall. This is a meet where top athletes perform, and we're proud of her achievement today.

Volleyball Lessons and PRs

Long day of sports today. Jenna gave it her all with the time her coach put her on the court (he was playing everyone today). Sometimes you have to do what the coach says even though you don't understand, and even though it causes your team to lose.  Jenna took it all in stride (the parents weren't too happy, but are learning lessons in patience). Heather PR'd by two seconds in the 300m Hurdles. We stayed at Jenna's tournament not knowing Heather would have the race of her season at the Trabuco Hills Mustang Roundup track and field event.  Fortunately, our Booster President was filming all the races and caught Heather's. And our friend, Kim Peterson, was in the stands cheering her on. We love watching our girls give it their all and see their hard work pay off. Proud parent moments for sure!

Sunset League Finals 2016

Heather gave her all in the Sunset League Finals today. She placed 5th in the JV 300m Hurdles. Not too shabby for being out half the year and coming back from a fractured tailbone. We're so proud of her dedication and determination to have the best season she could have. Way to go Heather!

Spikes, Blue vs. Gold, Sunset League Pre-lims - Heather

4•21  Eleven days before the Sunset League Prelims, Heather stepped on someone's spikes while running through the grass cheering on her team. Yeesh. It all healed fine, and she was able to complete.

4•22  The annual Blue vs. Gold assembly/games happened, and I was working on campus and got to watch some. I spied Heather and took a picture.

4•29  Heather ended up qualifying in both hurdle events and will be in the finals next week. Not bad for being out half the year with a fractured tailbone and running sore. Way to go Heather!

First League Track Meet

Today was Heather's first league match since returning to workouts. Her tailbone is still sore, but she's getting back to work. It may be sore for a while. She'll most likely run JV this year until she gets her times up. It's awesome to watch her run the 300 m Hurdles. Who has that much left at the end of a race to pass people up and take 1st? Not this momma. You go girl!

The Track Meets Begin!

Track season is underway beginning with the All Comer meets. This year Heather sat out the fall workout once again. This time from a fractured tailbone. We hope she can make up the lost workout time and have a great season. She's looking good!

Track and Field Banquet

Tonight was Heather's Track and Field Banquet. It's a fun, dressy occasion where athletes and their families gather to visit have dinner and listen to the awards ceremony.  This year Heather was honored with the award for "Most Inspirational" which was fitting due to the year she had. The coached talked briefly about her heart issue and how Heather has been willing to stick with track and have whatever kind of experience she could have be it racing, sitting and cheering or helping with miscellaneous event tasks. Fortunately, Heather was able to race when the season started, and she did pretty well. It was really great for her to hear her coach's kind words and to be honored for her dedication. It has been a struggle for sure. We're really proud of her for sticking with it and being faithful as she's continues on this journey with her health.

Sunset League Track and Field Finals

Heather competed in the Sunset League Track and Field Finals today. She qualified at the prelims last week when I was in Utah. The weather was cool and sunny until the evening when it rained. Fortunately, she didn't have to compete in the rain, but we all stayed until the end.

The thing I will remember about this sophomore year track season is Heather's determination after things "clicked" for her. At the Edison meet, she heard our Bishop cheer for her on the sidelines which gave her a boost. She ran from 5th place to 2nd place in the JV 300m hurdles during the last 50 meters. The last 50 have to be the most grueling of this race, but Heather had the stamina to turn it on. This was her breakout meet. The highlight was her finish against Los Alamitos where she ran from 4th at the curve all the way to 1st in the last 50 meters. Los Al had great video on their website, and we've watched it over and over (click HERE to watch). Heather learned to dig deep and pull it out at the end. I say if you're going to be good at something, be good at something like no one else, and that's what the last 50 meeter dig is all about for her and the 300m hurdles.

Heather missed almost four months of training, started competing in March in the school meets, increased her time by almost a second each week, and ended up qualifying for the finals. We could not be more proud of her or more grateful for returning health. It's not perfect yet, but she is able to do what she loves and do it safely. That is priceless.