Senior Amanda Seggerman
How an athlete’s love for running has shaped her future.
The feeling of the breeze rushing across her skin as she runs. The rush of exhilaration as the endorphins begin to kick in, sun beating down upon her shoulders as she finishes the course.
This is how senior Amanda Seggerman describes her experience as a long-time athlete involved in the school’s cross country and track team.
According to Draftcard.com, student athletes are able to develop many beneficial traits while being involved in sports, including, “teamwork, perseverance, and responsibility.”
Seggerman first decided to join these sports in the sixth grade due to her love for the pacer. Seggerman makes it clear she truly loves running because of the relaxation the activity brings to her every moment that she begins to run.
“Running during practice boosts my day because it’s a stress reliever for me,” Seggerman said. “It can get pretty exhausting at times, but I always feel good about myself after practice because I worked really hard.”
Seggerman spends six days a week practicing for cross country and track. During their spring season, the team typically runs a race once a week. However, it isn’t easy for the athlete to place so much commitment into the sports. Before a race, Seggerman feels anxious about the upcoming events. However, she strives to overcome her hardships through building her confidence.
“Before a race, I get really nervous,” Seggerman said. “Sometimes I even cry. I try to overcome that by writing on my hand words like ‘confidence’ or ‘strong’ just to remind myself that I’m ready to race.”
Seggerman finds support to push through and excel in her family and friends, who strive to uplift her throughout her difficulties.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, talking to someone, such as a friend, greatly helps to reduce a person’s stress. Senior Sasha Hough has been friends with Seggerman since the sixth grade. Hough has been a firsthand witness to her best friend’s good and bad days, trying to be there for Seggerman.
“Amanda is the type of person that has such a pure soul,” Hough said. “She’ll be there for you no matter what, and she is just so accepting of everyone, no matter who you are. I try to just be there for her for whatever she needs. If I’m talking to her and she’s going through a hard time, I make sure that she knows that it will pass with time.”
Not only do people consider Seggerman a supportive friend, but she is also a committed student. Cross country and track have helped to motivate Seggerman to strive for the best in other aspects of her life., finding that athletic energy she receives helps to encourage her to do well in school.
“I’d say that time management comes pretty naturally to me, and it’s easy,” Seggerman said. “Whenever I already have a motivated mindset, I’m already motivated for track, which also makes me motivated for school. My motivation just goes to all parts of my life.”
Seggerman’s optimism draws attention wherever she goes. English teacher Brenda Parker teaches Seggerman in her Advanced ELA 12 class, and admires the dedication Seggermant brings into the classroom.
“She brings a very positive, upbeat, optimistic attitude to class,” Parker said. “She values excellence and wants to use her class time so that she can get her work done in class so that she can focus on her extracurricular activities.”
Seggerman plans to continue her athletic career in college, and has committed to run for Northwest Missouri State University.
