Boren Enjoying Final Track Season
WINONA LAKE – Jo Boren knows that she does not have a lot of time left as a college athlete.
The Grace College senior track ace is trying to make sure that she enjoys the experience.
“I’m just trying to enjoy every minute of it,” said Boren in a phone interview Thursday. “I’m happy with where I’m at right now.”
Boren was a three-sport standout just up the road at Lakeland Christian Academy prior to coming to Grace. She also played basketball her freshman year for the Lancers before choosing to focus just on track.
“At one time, I was very focused on basketball,” Boren said. “But, I’m so glad that I chose to do track. I’m glad that I took on the challenge of it. I’ve grown spiritually and athletically from it.”
Boren has had a strong senior season so far for the Lancers. She placed third in the 400 last weekend at the Centre College Invitational in Kentucky with a time of 58.69 despite less than ideal weather conditions.
“With the weather lately, you just have to roll with it,” said Boren of the challenge of trying to train and compete outdoors in inclement weather. “It’s takes a lot of mental focus, that’s the biggest key.
“I just want to continue to get my 400 time down. I’m definitely please with where I’m at now, but would like to get that down into the 57’s.”
Boren put together a strong indoor season before suffering a hamstring injury. She placed 11th in the 400 at the NAIA Indoor Nationals in March in Tennessee with a time of 58.54. She entered the Nationals seeded 21st in her specialty.
“I’ve seen a lot of growth in Jo in the last year,” said Grace College track and field coach Jeff Raymond. “She’s always been talented. It’s more about her confidence now. She has the inner confidence and belief in herself now.”
“Jo works hard, she competes hard and she is just a nice person.”
Boren boasts a full plate right now, both on and off the track. She will be married in July and moving to Grand Rapids, where she hopes to land a job as a personal trainer.
“I give her a lot of credit for staying focused through everything,” Raymond noted. “She’s handled all of it well and I think that she is savoring the opportunity.”
Boren is one of just three seniors this Spring on a very young Grace roster.
“I just try to lead by example, both how I act on and off the track,” Boren said. “I just try to stay connected and growing in Christ and point them (my teammates) to Christ.”
The Lancers are slated to take part in two more meets before the Crossroads League Championships April 28-29. The NCCAA Championships are May 13-14 in Georgia with the NAIA Championships May 26-28 in Alabama.
Boren, no matter what happens the rest of the way in her track career, has her priorities in order.
“It’s not all about my performances and track is not my identity,” said Boren. “I just want to enjoy the talent that God has given me and remember that I’m running for his glory.”