At the Bucknell University Bison Classic this weekend, senior Anne Peterson of Women’s Track & Field broke a school record in the 3,000-meter steeplechase and earned the top time in NCAA Division III.
What is your favorite aspect of tack & field and why?
My favorite aspect of track is the friendships that I have made through the sport. Running with my best friends is always a highlight of each day.
How long have you ran track and how did you get into it?
I began running in eighth grade and joined track because my dad was a pole vaulter and triple jumper and encouraged me to. I quit soccer to join cross country the following year.
Why do you enjoy being a part of the track and field team at UR?
The culture on the team at UR is one where everyone supports one another and is genuinely excited to see each other’s success. This culture stems from our coach as well who is incredibly invested in every person on the team as an athlete and as a person.
Do you have any goals for this season, and if so, what are they?
My goals for this season are to get to nationals in the steeplechase which should hopefully be accomplished with the time I ran this weekend. Beyond that I have some time goals in the 5K and steeplechase.
How does it feel to have broken a school record this weekend?
I am very excited to have gotten the record this weekend. The previous record holder is someone who I very much look up to and have spent a lot of time training with this year. I am happy that the work put in throughout this year is paying off.
What do you wish to improve on during your time at UR?
I hope to improve on my strength as an athlete so that I am able to stay tough for the duration of a 3,000-meter or even 5,000-meter race. That is something I have struggled with during indoor track so I hope that as my physical strength improves, my mental toughness in races will improve as well.
What do you enjoy besides track and field?
Aside from track, I spend a lot of time focusing on academics, and in my free time I love being with friends and family, as well as reading. This year I have been heavily involved with the Mechanical Engineering department at UR through the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and I have really enjoyed being a part of different events through this organization.
If you could be any animal, what would you be?
I guess I would be a giraffe because I find them very cute.
