Mary Strand was recently honored with the title of NCCAA Female Track and Field Athlete of the Week. Each week the NCCAA decides on one student athlete from a number of recognized schools to represent the accomplishments within that particular sport. The recipient of the title exemplifies quality performances as well as Christian ideals.
Strand set the new school record for the 200 meters, 4×200 meter relay, and qualified for NCCAA Nationals in the 400 meter during a competition at Brockport State Invitational. At Nationals, held at Indiana Wesleyan University, Strand helped the relay team beat the school record again and placed individually with her best time of the season.
Strand, a sophomore, has been participating in track and field since seventh grade. Although she is mostly a sprinter, she has also trained in other areas and was even part of last year’s JV soccer team.
While Strand is appreciative of this award, she said she will continue to stay focused. Strand said that while running, “you push yourself as far as you can go and then you push yourself further.”
Strand attributes her success to the support of her coach and team. Her captain, Sarah Munkittrick, said there is a lot to learn from Strand, describing her as a hard worker and a perfectionist who still remains humble. Munkittrick also said that Strand “not only pushes the team to work harder but also brings them together.”
Track and field coach, Matthew Dougherty, said those honored with the title of Athlete of the Week are great performers, tremendous athletes and talented individuals, with Mary Strand possessing all of these qualities. Dougherty defined Strand as someone who has strong motivation paired with a ferocity most would not expect, allowing her to achieve anything she sets her mind to.
Strand plans on practicing just as hard in order to continually get better and achieve more later on in meets both as an individual and as a team. Dougherty said that Strand’s position on the team is “integral in terms of chemistry,” helping to inspire others through her talent and fun attitude.
Strand is excited to begin the outdoor track and field season, having used these recent experiences as a preparation phase. She expects to practice and compete with the same determination, progressively challenging herself. Dougherty said that Strand’s disposition is one of a “driven and focused individual who is strong spiritually, academically, and athletically.”