Krista Robinson didn’t lack motivation when it came to her final season of high school track.
Presented a final opportunity to achieve as many of her goals as possible, the Greenwood senior has spent the past six weeks attempting to maximize every experience be it an after-school practice or bus ride to an away competition.
Robinson, a county, conference and sectional champion this season in the 800-meter run, is now presented with the challenge of advancing out of today’s Franklin Regional.
“I feel like I’ve had a tremendous season,” Robinson said. “I had to basically wrap my head around the fact it’s my last year, so I’ve put what I had left into every race.
“Coming in first at the county, Mid-State and sectionals, it’s a little overwhelming.”
A right knee injury hampered Robinson her junior track season. She would go on to place eighth at sectional in the 800 in a time of 2:37.03.
Compare this to winning times this spring at county (2:29.12), conference (2:30.28) and last week’s Franklin Sectional (2:27.46).
Robinson is part of the Woodmen’s regional-qualifying 4×800 relay that includes Hanna Anderson, Julia Arruda and Mallory Watson. This quartet ran a time of 10:35.14 to place third at sectional behind Center Grove and Columbus North.
Committed to run cross-country and track at Franklin College beginning the 2017-18 school year, Robinson has discovered a comfort zone being a two-lap specialist. Earlier in her Greenwood career she ran the 1,600, placing fifth at sectional as a sophomore in a time of 5:40.34.
"I used to run the 1,600, and when I first ran the 4×800 I realized I liked the intensity of the 800," she said.
Knowing all too well the importance of remaining healthy, Robinson let it be known early she was aiming for a special season.
“Things just really came together for her this year,” Greenwood coach Blaine Williams said. “She was healthy, her mental focus was right where it needed to be and she knew this (season) was it.
“From the get-go, we knew this would be a pretty good year for her.”
