Kendall County MVA Athlete of the Week: Ella Hale, Oswego, sophomore, track

WHY SHE WAS SELECTED:

Oswego sophomore Ella Hale won the 800-meter run in 2:17.25 and ran on the Panthers' winning 3,200 relay in 9:24.08 and second-place 1,600 relay in 4:03.65 at the Class 3A Moline Sectional, qualifying for state in each event. Oswego as a team took second in the sectional.

Hale talked to sports editor Joshua Welge about the meet, her season and more. This is an edited version of the transcript.

Welge: What does it mean to be going back to state? (Hale ran on the state-qualifying 3,200 relay last year).

Hale: It means a lot. Last year, we did really well in the 4x8, we got sixth at state. At the beginning of the season, we were pretty positive we would have a team to get down there again, but a couple of our returners got hurt, which put a wrench in indoor season. It concerned us, we were worried that we would not get the relay down. When the girls that were hurt finally came back, it felt like things came together for our team.

Welge: What kind of growth have you made in the 800?

Hale: The 800 has really progressed. I used to not be able to do a good double in the 4x8 and the 800, but I finally have it down. I worked on a lot of speed repeats, repeats of 400s and 800s in practice.

Welge: What do you do in between the relay and the 800 during a meet?

Hale: After our 4x8 we usually do a 10-minute cool down. We just relax, drink water, eat a granola bar or something small. About 45 minutes before race time we do another 10-minute warmup.

Welge: What was your strategy in the 800 at sectionals?

Hale: My coach told me to go out in the front pack or take the lead. I got a bad start, it brought me to the back of the lead pack. I chilled there for a lap, and with about 300 meters to go on the first straightaway I started to click.

Welge: When did you start running?

Hale: Well, I used to be a sprinter in junior high. I would run a lot of sprints and I always had a good kick. When coach put me in the 4x8 he probably thought I would be good for that with my finishing kick and cross country experience.

Welge: What was your state experience like last year, and how should it help you this weekend?

Hale: At state last year I was really nervous for prelims. I couldn't eat breakfast, but my teammates helped me out. This year, I'll get to help out, we have a freshman on our 4x8. I want to help her like they helped me last year.