Mingus Union High School senior Meg Babcock wanted to end her senior year with a bang and, so far, she has not disappointed.
Babcock has made her presence felt statewide as her 400-meter [00:58.43] and 800-meter [02:15.02] times lead the entire Division III.
On Friday, April 12, Babcock and the 4×400 relay team put on a show at the Mingus Invitational and posted the fastest time in division three [04:13.99].
Babcock spoke on her senior year and who has helped her become the athlete she is today.
What has been your favorite moment from this season?
My favorite moment was definitely racing in Chandler Rotary. I ran the best race of my life and had a solid personal-record as well. It was amazing to run with others from the Southwest, so I thought that was fun. I had been training for track since December, so that moment felt very assuring. It felt great to know I could compete at that level.
I took a minor break after the school year ended and stopped running until about June. I ran at a Brigham Young University cross camp in Provo and spent most of my summer on cross country. Cross country in the 400 and the 800 sound like they do not align, but I disagree. If you get the base mileage and work hard in cross country, then you enjoy track season more. The events are much shorter, so if I can run a three-mile race, I can also run a half-mile race. I ran my fastest cross country times ever and had amazing coaches that pushed me. Once that season ended in November, I took two weeks off then and have been running since December. I have made sure the base training and mileage were there, so I was fully prepared for state in a few weeks.
How has your senior year been?
Senior year has gone very well, I have definitely gotten a lot faster this year. I also think my event range has increased, so I can run the 100 meters and 800 meters in my division. My times went down in cross country by a minute and a half which was great. I have also loved my teammates this season. They have been so supportive and nice and we have made a lot of life-lasting memories. My coaches have been amazing as well and part of what has made this season so great. This year has been my favorite year of high school as I feel like my track team is a family.
Who has motivated you the most to become the track athlete you are?
It would definitely be coach [Dan] Engler and coach [Molly] Westcott. Those two believe in me when I do not really believe in myself and have really pushed me to where I am as an athlete. My teammates
and my parents have also been a big with the progress I have made this year. My father has also taken the initiative to put me in bigger meets and get me out of my comfort zone. If I am stuck in a time range, he helps me figure out my splits so I can improve. He puts everything into perspective so he has been huge at home.
Who is your favorite athlete?
As a runner, I love Rory Linkletter who is a BYU distance runner. He is just the epitome of hard work, patience and letting your abilities progress as a runner. I also met Olympian Abbey D’Agostino while running on the track and she is the woman who fell in the Olympics. She was given a spot in the finals after tripping and helping the other girl up, though she did not have the fastest time. Meeting her was amazing and I love her.
How has having your brother as a teammate been?
Oh my goodness, I love Andy. There is nothing better. We are running buddies because he is the perfect motivator. He is faster than me because he is a boy but since he is not fully grown, I can keep up with him. It is super motivating because he does not want me to win as the little brother and of course I want to win. Though we are very competitive, he is also one of my biggest supporters and best friends when we are not facing off. I love that I can practice with someone that loves me and then go home and talk about track and life.
Have you determined your post-high school plans?
Right now, my plan is to attend Brigham Young University. I am currently working on a track scholarship there and I have to get a little bit faster. Another option I have is running at Utah Valley University, which would also be great. As of right now, that is where I am currently at. I am definitely moving to Provo, Utah next year.
What makes you want to attend school in Provo?
Provo is where my family used to live and BYU is my dream school. I have wanted to attend BYU since I was younger, as that is the school both of my parents attended. I love the atmosphere of the university and everything it has to offer. I kind of fell in love with the campus last summer when I visited.
What will you remember the most while looking back on your senior year?
I will definitely remember the great relationships I have gained at Mingus. I will also look back fondly on the support and love I received from my teammates, friends and coaches. They support me through thick and thin and there is no way I would have accomplished so much without them.
The Marauders regular season concludes at the Last Chance Meet hosted by Alhambra High School on Wednesday, April 24.
The AIA Division IV Championships take place on Friday, May 3.
