As though balancing two high school sport was not already enough, sophomore Tara Pelton has recently decided to participate in both varsity soccer and varsity track and field. Originally a soccer player, Pelton chose to wear both cleats and spikes this spring season.
“My soccer coach actually got me involved. She suggested I give track and field a try, so I went to a meet and really liked it. It was something different; I’m glad I got involved,” said Pelton.
Pelton has quickly adjusted to the track and field scene, placing 2nd in the 100 meter dash at the Pomona Invitational on April 12 with a time of 12.56. Pelton believes the win “helped boost my confidence because I was really nervous about running it before.”
With two highly demanding athletic schedules, Pelton deals with conflicting agendas on a weekly basis. “Luckily during the high school season for soccer, all the games are during the week, and for the most part, track meets are on the weekend. When they conflict, I just put soccer games before track practice and track meets before soccer practice,” said Pelton.
Looking towards the future, Pelton’s dream is to “play soccer in college, and track is helping me by improving my speed. Track is so new, and I just have to see where it takes me.”