Posted 03/02/07
Bobbi Arand is a sophomore on the UW-Platteville track and field team from Stockton, Ill. Arand and her Distance Medley Team of Emma Dreis, Jessica Scott and Marcia Taddy earned Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference track athlete of the week honors for the fastest relay time in the WIAC history and the best in the country this spring. The Pioneer Distance Medley Relay team qualified for the NCAA Division III national championships, March 9-10 in Terre Haute, Ind.
You just recently ran a leg of the fastest relay in national history. What was that like for you?
"It was a great experience. We knew during the race that we were running pretty fast, but when we saw the time (11:40.45), we couldn't believe it. No one really knew what to say. Qualifying for nationals is everyone's goal at the beginning of the season so it was a great accomplishment."
You competed in the conference championships ;last Friday and Saturday. How well did you do and is there anything you would have liked to do better?
"I didn't run bad at the conference meet, but I didn't run as well as I wanted to. Coach (Jim Nickasch) had talked to me before the open 400 and told me what I needed to do in order to make finals. At the start of the race I felt good, but I came out way too fast and didn't have enough left to finish; that was disappointing."
What events did you compete in at the championships and how did you finish?
"I ran the 4x200 and 4x400 relays and then the open 400 and open 200. We finished fifth in the 4x200 and we were happy with the way we ran. We knew we needed to win our heat in order to medal and score points for the team, and we did that. In the 4x400 we got sixth place. I didn't make finals for the open 400 or open 200. I was disappointed, but our conference gets faster every year and now I know what I need to do for outdoor season, and of course for indoor conference next year."
How do you think the outdoor season will go for you and the team?
"Everyone is getting excited for outdoor season. We seem to compete better, both as individuals and as a team, outdoor. It's also nice to know that when the weather gets better we can start practicing on the new track instead of being stuck indoors all the time."
What is your major? What brought you to UWP?
"My major is Business Administration but I haven't chosen my emphasis yet. When I started looking at colleges, I refused to come look at UWP. It's only an hour away from home and I was convinced that I needed to be farther than that. My mom thought that I would like the campus so she made me schedule a visit. When the visit was over I had to tell her she was right because I ended up liking the campus. After talking to the coaches, I knew that Platteville was the right school for me."
Interview by SID student assistant Heather Schaufenbil