Sauk Valley Media Athlete of the Week: Newman’s Elaina Allen

Newman freshman Elaina Allen was a Three Rivers East All-Conference honorable mention selection in girls basketball this past season. In track and field, she continues to demonstrate her athletic ability.

In a 12-team field at Riverdale’s Paul Parker Coed Invite on April 12, Allen won the 100 meters (12.9 seconds) and the 200 meters (26.86 seconds). She also ran a leg in Newman’s third-place 4x100 (54.42 seconds) and 4x200 relays (1:54.80) with Elizabeth Rude, Blair Grennan and Brooklyn Smith.

Allen has been voted the Sauk Valley Media Athlete of the Week by readers for April 8-14. She answered a few questions to help us get to know her a little better.

What’s been your favorite thing about this season so far?

Allen: Bus rides are a lot of fun.

What’s your favorite thing about track and field?

Allen: Friendships that are made.

What’s your favorite movie?

Allen: “Pitch Perfect.”

What is your perfect meal?

Allen: Chick-fil-A nuggets with a nice, cold orange Hi-C.

What superpower would you like to have and why?

Allen: Teleportations, so I can be wherever I want to be at any time.

What songs do you listen to to fire you up before a meet?

Allen: Beauty and a Beat – Justin Bieber.

What songs are your go-to to relax?

Allen: Zach Bryan music.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Allen: Hawaii – beach is nice and there are pigs.

What is your favorite class and why?

Allen: Art with Mr. Reyes – snacks and makes jokes.

What is your favorite college or professional team? Favorite college or professional athlete?

Allen: Iowa women’s basketball. Gabby Marshall (Iowa Hawkeyes shooting guard).

You get to have dinner and talk track and field with three athletes, past or present. They can be professionals, college stars or former area standouts. Who are you picking, and why?

Allen: Sydney McLaughlin – role model in track. Brady Rude – first track coach, taught me a lot about track. Grandpa – for a good laugh.