AOTW-Kristin Spera

Hopkins had many shining moments in the three meets they competed in this weekend. But the team particularly excelled in the Widener Invitational.

It was the field events for the Blue Jays that enabled the team to gain a substantial portion of its points at the Widener Invitational. The force was led by senior Kristin Spera. She broke her own program record in the Heptathlon, placing her first in the meet. Spera dominated her opponents, winning by more than 400 points.

Spera excelled in all seven of the events, but especially shined in the shot put and long jump. She threw a personal record of 10.29 m  and long jumped 5.14m. By the end of the event, Spera accumulated 3838 points, surpassing her own program and personal record. The News-Letter had the opportunity to talk with Spera regarding her personal achievements and contribution to the team.

News-Letter (N-L): What does it mean to you that you hold the program record in the Heptathlon?

Kristin Spera (KS): It really means a lot to me to hold the record. So much work goes into practicing each event and it all depends on what you bring that day. You just try to hit your potential in every event and shake off things that don’t go so well. I’m happy with my performance this past weekend but I’m definitely shooting for even more for my last heptathlon which will be at conferences.

N-L: Which ingredient for success put you where you are now?

KS: In our sport, minuscule measurements of time and distance are critical and can drive you a little crazy. Sometimes you get so focused on the numbers you can forget that track is supposed to be fun. I think I’ve seen successful recently because I’m not thinking so much and genuinely having fun competing in my events.

N-L: What sacrifices have you made to get yourself to where you are now? Have they been worth it and why?

KS: I wouldn’t say I’ve had to make many sacrifices. Being involved in sports for so long, it’s just part of your lifestyle to give up your weekends and get your work done ahead of time. If anything it makes you better at managing your time. It has all been worth it; I love this team and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

N-L: What have been the team's goals for this season? How has the team approached them?

KS: We want to continue our legacy and win the Centennial Conference Championship, and break as many records as possible. Also, this season we have more girls than ever meeting national qualifying standards. To meet these goals we are training every day and pushing each other to get faster and stronger.

N-L: What kind of leadership role have you taken upon yourself in order to benefit the team?

KS: I pretty much go by the lead-by-example principal and just keep a positive attitude at practice and during meets. Being a heptathlete is great because you get to practice different events from all areas of track and field. You gain a lot of appreciation for what your teammates can do, which I feel brings the team closer.

N-L: As a senior, what has Hopkins track and field meant to you? What has been your best memory and greatest accomplishment throughout your career at Hopkins?

KS: It’s hard to put into words how much I’ve loved my experience on the track team. I would say some of the best memories have been from winning Centennial Conferences for the first time; outdoor freshman year, indoor sophomore and this past winter for the men.

Those meets are the ones that have the whole team on their feet cheering for everyone because every point matters and when teammates rise to the occasion and pull out unexpected performances. I’d say that winning individual titles has been great, but being a part of that atmosphere and having my performances contribute to our team’s victories has really been very rewarding.