Sophomore looks to improve on last year’s fifth place Heptathlon finish
Mackenzie Schoustra ’20, an exercise science major, has dedicated much of her time this spring to track and field. Last year, as a first-year, Schoustra placed fifth in the confernce with a score of 4096. On May 3 and 4, at the MIAC Heptathlon, Schoustra placed third overall. Schoustra qualified to compete next week in the MIAC Championships, across the Canon River at Carleton College.
The Heptahlon is comprised of seven outdoor events, consisting of the 100-meter hurdles, high jump, long jump, shot put, 200-meter sprint, javelin and the 800-meter.
The Manitou Messenger had the chance to discuss the results, reflections on the season and the preparation for next weekend’s MIAC Championships. They will be held on Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12 at Carleton College in Laird Stadium.
Q: What goals did you begin the season with? Do you feel as though you have personally accomplished them?
A: A goal I had for this season was to get better at technical events, like throwing and jumping. They take the most time to practice, and though I wasn’t the most satisfied with long jump, I was extremely happy with high jump since I ended with a personal best of 1.56m. Another goal I actively think about is being positive, encouraging and motivating my teammates.
Q: How has this season compared to previous ones for you personally?
A: As my second season, I came in with a familiar training schedule. I had competed in the pentathlon and heptathlon last year, and had learned all of the new events like throwing. This year was another season to get better at and focus on technical events like jumping and hurdling.
Q: Looking at the results from the Heptathlon, what do you feel went well? Anything you’d wish had gone differently?
A: Overall, I am happy with my performance in the Heptathlon. I finished in a good spot and am satisfied with my results, even though I wish shot put and long jump could have gone better. The thing about the hep, compared to other events, is that it’s challenging to do your best performance in every single event. That being said, I had personal bests in three events, and a season best in one. One of those events was the 800m, at which a handful of my teammates came to watch and cheer me on. I am so grateful for their support and motivation which helped push me through the final event.
Q: For the MIAC Championships next weekend, what do you think you will be focusing on in the next week of training?
A: First, I will be icing frequently and making sure my body is fully recovered from this past weekend. Heading into the week, I will be focusing on hurdles, both the 100-meter hurdles and 400-meter hurdles.
Q: What are your goals for finishing the season?
A: Most of the events at next week’s conference meet have preliminary races on Friday, and a finals race on Saturday. My goal is to qualify for finals in both hurdle events with a hope of scoring points for my team. I am also looking forward to watching and cheering on my teammates as they compete.
