Valarie Allman and Ben Goodman logged some spectacular performances to get their seasons underway last week. Contributed Photo/Photo by Alan Versaw.
Someone forgot to tell Ben Goodman and Valerie Allman that it’s still very early in the season.
Ben Goodman won the 800m at the Banana Belt Invitational last weekend in an impressive season debut time of 1:55.85. “I was really happy with it,” Goodman said. “I did a lot more interval training on the track this winter and it felt good to open the season with a fast time.”
The senior from Palmer High School is used to running fast times. Goodman has been top three in the state in either the 400m or the 800m since his freshman year, most recently placing third at the state championship 800m last year in a time of 1:53.91.
In his final high school track season before heading off to run for University of Missouri, Goodman has big hopes. “I want to break the 5A state record,” he said. Based off this season opener, that 5A state record of 1:51.75 has the look of vulnerabillity.
On the girl’s side, Valarie Allman also had an incredible start to her 2013 track season. The senior from Silver Creek High School began her season by breaking her own state all-classification discus record of 164 feet and throwing 180-1 at the Thornton Early Bird Invitational. Three days later, Allman surpassed her record again, throwing 183-3 at the Runners Roost of Fort Collins meet. This mark also ranks Allman first in the nation.
“Last year I felt a lot of pressure throughout the season the throw into the 160’s,” Allman said. “Being able to start this season with a PR is super exciting. I’m using it as a motivator to keep focused and train with my coach to help maximize my performance.”
With her season already off to a record breaking start, Allman’s goals for her last high school track season are focused on preparation for competing at the collegiate level for Stanford. “My goals are to focus on one meet at a time and strive to gain experience before moving onto Stanford,” Allman said. “I am working on trying to build consistency in the 180’s and hope to break into the 190 range.”
Starting off her senior season with such impressive throws, Allman reflects back on her path to success. “Three years ago at the end of my freshman year when I first started throwing, I would get so excited to just hit 80 feet. At that point, the state record of double that distance seemed like such a far away dream. I feel extremely fortunate for all of my coaches, teachers, and teammates at Silver Creek and I am especially grateful to my coach, Brian Gunnarson. Together we were able to turn this dream into a reality.”
Congratulations to Ben Goodman and Valarie Allman, Colorado Track XC’s athletes of the week and best of luck to them as they continue with their final high school track seasons.