Elizabeth Acheson, Class of 2019 - Northfield High School
What are all your personal records? What State Meet competitions have you been in, and what were your results?
400m dash: 57.06 seconds (school record-state time)
100m: 13.65 seconds
200m: 27.07 seconds
4x400 relay: 3:57.53 (school record-state time)
Long Jump: 17'4.25"
I competed in the 4x400 meter relay in the 2017 state track meet, our team placed second overall. In the 2018 state track meet I competed in the open 400 meter dash (second place), as well as the 4x400 relay (fourth place).
How did you first get involved with track? Do you do, or have you done, any other sports?
I was introduced to track and field by my parents, who both competed in their high school and college years. We used to go to the track as a family, before my siblings and I were old enough to compete on a school team. We also went to several "All-Comers" meets. Track was by far my favorite activity to participate in. I joined the middle school team in sixth grade, then moved up to the high school team in eighth grade. It still remains my favorite sport, and I feel incredibly blessed to have had such success in the sport I love. Besides track, I've had some brief stints playing tennis, baseball, and basketball, and I was a varsity runner on the cross country team from 7th-12th grade.
What is your favorite or most memorable competition you've ever been in?
Last season (2018) my school hosted the Big 9 conference meet. We ended up winning the meet, for the first time in Northfield girls' track history. It was an awesome achievement to share with my team and our coaches in our own town.
What is a standout memory you have from your track career?
My standout memory from track is more of a collection of memories. We have to jog to the track every day because it's not on the high school grounds. The walks back to the high school after practice are some of my favorite memories because I can relax and spend time with my best friends. Overall, I'd say spending time with my team is one of my favorite things about track.
Who are some people that have been most helpful to you in your athletic career, and how have they helped you?
My parents and my coaches have been beyond helpful to me. I don't know where I would be without them. My parents are always there for me, whether it's picking me up from practice, driving to a meet to watch my siblings and I compete, or sharing tips or techniques. My coaches are amazing, as they have provided coaching that has helped stretch and push me to perform the best that I can.
Who might we find cheering for you at competitions?
My family - Mom, Dad, brother and sisters, as well as grandparents - as well as my amazing friends. Their support means the world to me, and I can't express how much I appreciate their presence in my life.
What are your main goals for this track season?
I want to return to the State Meet in the 400m, and hopefully the 4x400 as well. I'm hoping to improve on my own personal records, as well as lead my team in another successful and fun year.
What was your recruitment process like, and what ultimately attracted you to the University of Mary?
The University of Mary coaches contacted me at the end of my season last year and gave me some information about their program. We continued to stay in touch, and they were super helpful with my college admissions process as well as answering any questions I had. I decided on UMary because it seems like a great place to go to school, it is affordable, and they have a great history of track success.
When not doing anything track-related, what might we find you doing?
Reading, drawing, or painting. I almost always have a book or a sketchbook with me.
What advice would you give to younger athletes, or athletes just starting out in track?
Don't ever give up. Push yourself to your limits, and always do your best, whether it's in practice or in competition. Hard work pays off, but you need to do the work to get the results.
Do you have any specific advice or tips that you would like to share?
Double or triple tying your shoes is super helpful. I've had my shoes come untied during a race enough times to know. Also, hydration is the key to a healthy and successful season. Drinking water throughout the school day is super important.
