Emma Weatherly, Byron High School Class of 2018
Personal Records:
100 meter hurdles: 15.25
300 meter hurdles: 46.58
Triple jump: 36-10
Long jump: 16-10.5
High jump: 5-0
MSHSL State Meet Record:
2017 17th Place Long Jump; 12th Place Triple Jump; 13th Place 100 Hurdles
2016 6th Place Triple Jump; 5th Place 100 Hurdles
2015 7th Place Triple Jump; 7th Place 100 Hurdles; 6th Place 300 Hurdles
Where were you born and what were your first sports?
I was born in Rochester, Minnesota. My first sports were dance and gymnastics.
What sports do you play at the high school level?
I played high school soccer for 4 years and ran cross country for 2 years. I have participated in gymnastics and track at the high school level for 6 years. In 2015, I advanced to the State Gymnastics meet on vault and floor, and in 2018 I advanced on beam and floor.
Who are your coaches?
My head track coach is Charro Coleman. He has coached me for all 6 years of my track career, but I have known him almost all my life because his daughter is one of my best friends. Charro doesn't coach any of my specific events, but he gives me tips and has always supported me in everything I do.
Brandon Vogen is the boys head coach, but he helps me with long jump and triple jump. I have known him for 2 years now. He is an effective coach because he understands who I am as an athlete and he helps me make adjustments based on what he has seen me do before.
Nick Pocius is another one of my jumping coaches. I have known him for 4 years. He is a very effective coach because he understands the technical aspects of jumping and he makes workouts based on what I need to improve.
Mike Cabaya is my main hurdle coach. I have known him since I started track in 7th grade. He also makes many personal workouts for me and he is an effective coach because he has had so many years of experience.
Nick Sigrist coaches me in long jump, triple jump, and hurdles. I met him when I was in 7th grade and he was a junior, and I have always looked up to him. He is an effective coach because he is an athlete himself so he understands what it's like to be in my position. He helps me by explaining everything in a way that is very clear to me.
Have you had any adversities in your athletic career?
During my sophomore year, I had a back injury that carried over from gymnastics to track. Unfortunately, it prevented me from competing in the 300 meter hurdles that year, but I was lucky enough to still be able to focus on the 100 meter hurdles and triple jump.
Who are your main competitors?
One of my main competitors for many years was Mara Quam from Kenyon- Wanamingo, but she graduated last year. The competition between us was always very friendly and we pushed each other to be better. I definitely trusted her and I will miss competing with her this year. Another one of my main competitors is Kaly Banks from Cannon Falls. We have worked together in the triple jump and we motivate each other to do our best. I trust her as well and I enjoy competing with her.
Who are some teammates that inspire and motivate you?
Some teammates I rely on and workout with are Paige Fode, Paige Coleman, Taylor Dean, and Payton Sampson.
Who are some of the members on your cheering section?
My family members that cheer me on are my dad (Mike Weatherly), my mom (Amy Blom), my stepdad (Justin Blom), and my brothers (Alex and Sam Weatherly). Autumn Brandau and Hannah Coleman are my best friends and former teammates who are always there to cheer me on, from near or far away. Lastly, my boyfriend Myles Duit has constantly supported me throughout my high school athletic career.
What are your goal setting techniques and what do you do for the mental training? Where did you get the mental training and how do you know it works?
I like to set goals that are realistic but still challenging. At the beginning of the season, I think about my personal goals as well as team goals for the season. However, I also set goals for myself before every race and every jump. For the mental training, I envision myself doing well and achieving my goals. A positive mindset is the key to success. I learned a lot about mental training at a very young age from Kathy Nelson, one of my former gymnastics coaches. I know the mental training works because it has helped me achieve many of my own goals.
What do you do besides sports
Besides sports, I spend a lot of time doing school work. I have a 3.99 GPA and I am also a member of the Byron High School National Honor Society. I work as a hostess and food runner at Forager Brewing Company in Rochester and I plan to start serving this summer. I enjoy hanging out with friends, spending time outside, and traveling.
What was a special event for you last year?
Last year my team got the wild card to go to the True Team state meet in Stillwater. It was freezing cold and pouring rain the whole entire time, but we made the best of it and had a fun time. It was an experience I'll never forget!
Do you have any plans for after high school?
I am currently a PSEO student at Rochester Community and Technical College, so I plan to finish my associates degree there next year. After that, I will attend a four year university to pursue a degree in psychology.
Please give young people and young coaches some technical tips on your events.
For triple jump, it's important to spend time working on each phase individually. This makes it easier to put everything together when you do a full jump. I've recently been learning that long jump is about not only distance, but height as well. Getting up in the air gives you more time to extend your legs out as far as you can. The most important part of hurdling is staying low over the hurdles and getting your lead leg down as fast and as close to the hurdle as you can.