Maelea Harmon, Class of 2019 - Waterville-Elysian-Morristown High School
What are all your personal records? What State Meet competitions have you been in, and what were your results?
In the 100 meter dash my record is an 11.99 and in long jump 17'7. Also, our 4x100 team record is 50 seconds flat.
State 2016 - 100m, (3rd)
State 2017 - 100m (4th), 200m (7th), 4x100 (5th)
State 2018 - 100m (2nd), Long Jump (8th), 4x100 (2nd)
How did you first get involved with track? Do you do, or have you done, any other sports?
I have been in volleyball and basketball since third grade, I was in softball for a while but wanted to try something different, so I went out for track and fell in love with the sport. When I first went out for track my dad constantly put my softball glove on my bed to try and convince me to switch back to softball. However, he did stop putting the glove on my bed when he saw me run at the first meet.
What is your favorite or most memorable competition you've ever been in?
I do not have a specific memory that stands out to me but going to the State track meet is definitely the most memorable. Seeing the stands packed and just the environment is something amazing, just talking about the State meet has my heart racing because it is just an unbelievable experience.
Last year you achieved a remarkable feat of breaking the 12-second barrier in the 100m. Was it a surprise to you, or was that a goal of yours from the start?
From the beginning of the season my goal was to break 12, I was getting disappointed when my times were not what I wanted them to be but, getting to the State meet gives you that extra push. I was happy to break 12 at the State meet but being a competitor I set my goals lower for the season coming up.
Who are some of your favorite athletes to compete against (either teammates or from other reams)?
Definitely my favorite athlete to compete against is Madi Schirmer. We have competed in volleyball, basketball and track. We became very close during the track season and we constantly are pushing each other but also supporting each other in the 100 and in long jump. She is an amazing athlete and I am glad I have a competitor like her.
Who are some people that have been most helpful to you in your athletic career, and how have they helped you?
A track coach that has been extremely helpful to me is Reed Anderson, a volunteer coach. He has got to know me on the track and on a personal level. He has helped me reach the goals that I have set for myself. He creates a workout plan for me, helps me set reasonable goals for every track season. I am truly grateful that I have had the chance to have a coach like Reed.
Who might we find cheering for you at competitions?
When looking into the stands my family is there cheering me on all the time. I am especially grateful for all those 30 family members who have come to the State meet and support me. Having a family that supports me in all that I do is so amazing no words can truly describe how grateful I am for them, especially my parents. They have done so much for me to be successful and I could not thank them enough for what they do for me.
What is a challenge you have had to face as an athlete? How did you overcome it?
A difficult challenge that I had to overcome was getting mono in the beginning of the 2017 track season and having to sit out for a month and a half. Along with having mono I had a hamstring injury which limited what I could do for training. This was a hard challenge to overcome because I had set goals for myself, one goal of mine was doing better in the State meet than I did the previous year. When I did not reach my goal I was very disappointed in myself but it made me push myself that much harder for the next year and it paid off.
What are your main goals for this track season?
My goals consist of making it to State in the 100, having our 4x100 team also make it, have a strong finish in the 100 and also improve my starts. My main goal is the 100, I hope to get below an 11.99.
Earlier this school year you committed to run track at MSU-Mankato. What was your recruitment process like, and how did you ultimately make your decision?
I had a few calls from other colleges but ultimately I wanted to go to MSU-Mankato. When MSU called Coach Parno was the first coach that truly seemed interested in my personal life and in my track career, that ultimately sealed the deal. He also told me that if I wanted to commute I would be able to which was another plus because I am very family oriented.
Do you have any rituals, routines, or superstitions either on or off the track?
My routine on the track for the 100 is to jump three times and get into my blocks and sway a little bit, I try to be the last one to stop moving because then I do not over think it. For the 4x100, I am the last leg and I wait until the gun goes off and then do my three jumps. Also, my superstition on the track that I have done since I first went out was to have my hair braided in some way.
