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NTN Profile: Harvard-Westlake Girls TCPublished by
Harvard-Westlake TC (CA) Top Athletes: Hilary King (sprints-jumps), Amy Weissenbach (distances), Lauren Hansson (sprints), Zaakirah Daniels (hurdles), Chelsea Edwards (jumps), Sydney Haydel (throws), Cami Chapus (distances) and Kei Goldberg (pole vault). Team Strengths: Headed to Nike Track Nationals, ranked US#4 on the girls side, Harvard-Westlake is one of the more overlooked teams in the country, mostly because they compete in the same state as the always tough US#1 squad of Long Beach Poly. However, this team is stacked with talent. Middle distance runner Amy Weissenbach is one of the top 800m runners in the country and should put up a big mark in Eugene. Her teammates Lauren Hansson, Zaakirah Daniels and Hilary King should all contend well in their respective events, as this well-balance squad vies for a top three finish. Key to Success: Like a few other teams, Harvard-Westlake is very solid on the track, with the main question marks being placed in the field events. If this squad’s field event athletes can come up with a few new PRs, that could mean the difference between winning or placing tenth. The competition at NTN is tough, but if this team’s field event athletes step up, they will be in great shape. Q&A with Coach Jonas Koolsbergen NTN: With less than two weeks to go until Nike Track Nationals, what type of work are your athletes doing in order to be ready for the event on July 2? Jonas Koolsbergen (JK): We are still training on a regular basis. At this point the work is not extensive as we try to maintain our fitness and stay fast and sharp. Some athletes have competed more recently than others so the work is certainly individualized. NTN: Amy Weissenbach is having an outstanding year, ranking as one of the top 800m runners in the country and should score some big points for your squad at NTN. What's it been like having Amy lead this team on the track this season? JK: Amy has been an absolute joy this year. Her overall approach is ideal and a coach’s dream. She is completely committed and does whatever is asked of her. She races with a competitive spirit and always competes with great intensity and spirit. She finds another level when we need her to. NTN: You enter NTN as one of three girls teams from California. What about California do you think makes track and field such a competitive sport, with so many top ranked teams and individuals? JK: Obviously California has ideal conditions for training and racing pretty much all year. There are so many great and successful programs, everyone knows that if you want to achieve on their level you have to raise the game. The southern section is huge and incredibly competitive in order to gain berths into the California State Meet. The elite one level state meet also helps because if you want to make noise there you have to be prepared to be truly special and take on the very best. One race/one flight in such a huge state is always going to be special. NTN: What are the team's goals heading into July 2? JK: We want to enjoy this incredible experience. It is an honor to be part of the inaugural Nike Track Nationals. We definitely want to compete well and account ourselves and our program in a positive way on this national stage. A top six team finish would be very gratifying.
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