Warner Hopes To Soar Back To State
SOUTH WHITLEY – Elaine Warner would love to finish her high school track career competing on the state’s biggest stage.
The Whitko standout has her eye on a return trip to the State Finals come early June.
“I would love to make it back to State this year,” said Warner in a recent interview. “That’s my top goal this season.”
Warner is motivated after her first trip to Bloomington last year. She had a tough day at State as she fouled on two of her long jump attempts and went 15-10 1/4 on the other. Warner had broke her own school record in the event at the regional the previous week by jumping 17-6 1/2 to make the state standard to earn a spot in the State Finals field.
“I was so honored to make it last year and then I did not perform the way that I wanted to,” Warner said. “It was so disappointing. I felt like I let everyone down.
“I think that last year’s experience at State prepared me if I get back there. I just want to go back there this year and prove to myself that I can do it.”
Warner made her outdoor season debut for the Wildcats Thursday night. She won the long jump and 300 hurdles race in the Whitley County Meet at Churubusco as Whitko was second to Columbia City. She also ran a leg on the winning 4 X 100 relay team for coach Gary Sims’ squad.
“I feel that I’m prepared for the season,” said Warner prior to the first outdoor meet. “I hope that I have improved. I was proud of how our team did in the indoor finals in the preseason. There was tough competition there.”
Warner was third in the long jump and fourth in the 300 hurdles at the New Haven Sectional a year ago. She plans to compete in both events this spring, along with the 4 X 100 relay and possibly high jump and the 400 a few times as well.
“I really don’t have favorite event,” noted Warner. “I enjoy any event really. I picked up long jump last year. I think that my speed helps me with that. It’s an advantage for me. And I think that I also high jumps adds to it and helps me.
“I just like to push myself in different events. I do want to improve my long jump this season. One of my big goals is to jump in the 18-foot range.”
Warner had an outstanding senior season in the fall as the setter for the Whitko volleyball team. The Wildcats won 13 matches, the program’s highest total since the late 1990’s.
“It’s hard to compare the two sports,” remarked Warner. “I like track and volleyball for different reasons. I really like track because it pushes me hard.”
She’s hoping that it pushes her all the way back to Bloomington come June too.