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SYRACUSE - Wawasee's track duo of Alysha Aalbregtse and Mandy McGuire are proof that it is never too late to start thinking about getting to the state meet.
Both seniors got off to late starts, but both are headed for the big show Saturday at North Central High School.
McGuire leaped 5-foot-5 in the high jump competition earlier in the season, but never came close to matching that. She won the high jump competition at the Warsaw Sectional, but it was only 5-2. Then at the Bremen Regional, McGuire saw that her efforts wouldn't get her to the state meet, and the competition pushed her to a leap of 5-5, and she just missed matching the regional record of 5-6.
"I had 5-6, but didn't hold it long enough or get the speed," McGuire said. "That is something I can work on in practice. I have wanted this since my freshman year, going to state and being a senior. I am really excited and ready to go."
Now with the best talent in the state pushing her along, McGuire is looking at a possible leap of 5-7. The best going into the state meet is only 5-6 by two other girls.
"I think I can accomplish what I hope for - about 5-7," McGuire said. "I have to be ready for some competition. That is what I need to get me going."
Aalbregtse, who finished fifth and seventh in the 100 and 300 hurdles last year at the state meet, was expecting more this year - a lot more. But she got sidetracked by an injury that limited her in all but the last half a dozen meets of the season.
She was able to finish in the top three at the regional in both hurdle events, but she expects more at the state meet - a lot more.
"I haven't even come close to my peak," Aalbregtse said. "I don't know if I will, but I hope I will. I am just going to go down there and run the best I can.
"It makes it even more special that I haven't run (much) all year, and I am still going to be here (state)," she said. "I am just excited that I made it."
Physically Aalbregtse said she is fine, but regaining her confidence might be another story.
"My leg doesn't hurt, but I am hoping I have my endurance. I guess we will see," she said. "My mindset is a real big thing. This year, I haven't as much because I haven't ran much, but last year I always concentrated on my lane, and I was more confident last year."
Both athletes have been down to the state meet, so the intimidation factor won't be as much for these two girls, but still both say that a good mental state is still important.
"I have to be in the right mental state for the meet," McGuire said of her key to jumping well. "I need a good warmup and good stretching. I won't be totally stressed out until I get there."
Despite the obvious competition factor, Aalbregtse said she is only racing against herself.
"I have the two records here, and my goal is just to break them again," she said. "If I break my records than I will place. I am going to do my best, and whatever happens, happens. The start is important in the 1's and 3's because if you have a good first hurdle, the rest will be good."
State Girls Track Meet
Saturday, June 7 at North Central High School (Indianapolis)
4:30 p.m. - Field events
6:15 p.m. - Running trials
7:30 p.m. - Running finals
