As second year track member sophomore Mary Altman practices for a new season, she knows that preparation is important. As a varsity member of four events, Altman invests numerous hours perfecting the foundation for these events outside of the season.

To prepare for her favorite event, high hurdles, Altman has been running high knee drills and been perfecting her form.

“I feel like the hurdles are my best event,” Altman said. “It involves a lot of technique and it’s so much fun.”

Among the other events she competes in are 300 meter hurdles, long jump, and the 4×100 relay.

Altman said she has grown since last year in her ability to compete.

“I have so much more experience now,” Altman said. “And I’m a lot more comfortable when  I step up to the starting line.”

Altman hopes to greatly increase her personal records from last year and make it to state like she did last season.

“I think this season is going to be so much better [than last year],” Altman said. “I practice less specifically on one event and just focus on getting better all around at every event.”