Former St. Timothy Thunder and current University of Regina Cougars Laura Huck and her teammates are preparing for the upcoming Canada West Track and Field Championships on Feb. 22 and 23 and the USports National Championships March 7 through until March 9.
Huck, who is in her third year on the team has been an integral part of the Cougars track and field team. Last season she helped take down a school record in the 4x400-metre relay that had stood since 2005, running the opening leg of the team's 3:54.76 finish at the U SPORTS meet while also competing in the Canada West Championships as well as the Golden Bear Open.
"I've been on the team for three years now and it's truly been one of the most phenomenal experiences of my life," Huck said. "I've been able to grow both as an athlete and student and have gained amazing friendships with my coaches and teammates. It's also taught me a lot about determination and always trying to maintain a positive mindset which is key in practices and competitions ... I've loved every minute of it."
Huck, who has been through both the experiences of the Canada West and National Championships before, said she's excited to once again compete against the best across the country.
"I competed last year at nationals so this will be my second time competing at USports but the main thing for me is not putting too much pressure on myself which is something I've been working on these past few years leading into big competitions," Huck said.
"My coach does a good job at calming me down and talking me through the race using visualization techniques which I have found very helpful. I do get nervous like any other athlete but I try to use my nerves as energy and motivation leading into my races at both nationals and Canada West. Definitely excited as well, it's always such a hype atmosphere and I'm excited to compete well for my team."
"As for Canada West I believe it will go very well. We have been training hard for it and I am very excited for the opportunity. We are ranked high in a medal position in both women's relays and I hope to make the finals in my 300m race. I think Canwest will really pump us up for nationals."
Huck also said that participating in track and field at St. Timothy really helped her make the jump to the USports level.
"I trained under Travis Cummings and he gave me a lot of great insight into the sport itself. We used to train in and around the school which was an amazing experience ... I loved the training that I was able to get through St. Tims and the team atmosphere was incredible," said Huck.
"We didn't have a huge team however, when we were in competitions it felt like we all just came together as a family and that sense of family definitely helped me once I got to the University of Regina. I also did a lot of longer endurance training at St. Tim's which really set me up nicely once I got to university."
With the two biggest competitions upcoming, Huck has sent some goals that she'd like to achieve throughout the duration of the next few weeks.
"My main goal is to achieve a personal best and get into the finals in our Canada West Championships in the 300m dash. The other main goal is to medal in our 4x4oom relay and to remain in the top five in Canada at the USports Championship," Huck said. "Other than that, having fun, cheering on my teammates and taking in the whole experience for these last two competitions. Our team has the chance of being within the top five so hopefully we are able to get some good results that place us well in Canada West. I want to go out there, do my best and be there for my team."
The Canada West Championships will take place in Edmonton while the USports Nationals will go down in Winnipeg.
