UNIVERSITY PARK, PA.— At the Sykes-Sabock Challenge Cup on Saturday, the Penn State track & field program thanked and praised its seniors for all their hard work and commitment throughout their college careers. Head coach John Gondak was visibly emotional as he honored the group.
"Everyone in this senior class has grown and brought different qualities to this program to enhance it in so many different ways," Gondak said. "Seeing them today was really exciting and accomplishing."
Gondak emphasized that this senior class was not like any other. He strongly believes that this year's group of students worked so well together, making it impossible to just highlight one or two names. They brought talent and personality to the track and always recognized the importance of being part of a team.
"Our seniors are obviously the athletes that have been in the program for the longest time and they know what we are trying to accomplish here. They have been a part of many championship teams here," Gondak said. Championships that include a men's Big Ten outdoor track title in 2017, and senior distance women being part of a 2015 Big Ten cross country title as freshmen.
Senior sprinter Keianna Albury has grown throughout her four years as a student-athlete. She has learned many different skills that have not only made her a better athlete, but a better student and individual.
"I have become more outspoken and confident since my freshman year. Coming in, I didn't really believe in my talent but every time I was able to compete, the passion of track started to grow in me," Albury said.
Albury gained pride and confidence by wearing a Penn State uniform, something she tells herself each meet.
"Every time I step on the track, I gain a sense of pride. I say to myself 'This is Penn State and I am here to represent it,'" Albury said.
As a senior, Albury feels that it is her responsibility to be a positive role model for the underclassmen. When she was an underclassman, many of the seniors helped her adjust to life as a college athlete and she wants to do that for this year's freshman class. She wants them to feel like they belong in their school uniform and to be committed to adding value to the program.
"I have told the underclassmen that it doesn't matter who you step on the line with and at the end of the day your time doesn't matter," Albury said. "But I just keep telling them
to go out there and to execute because they practice every day for these moments."
She has made the most of her time at Penn State academically as well in Happy Valley, immersing herself in classes and has even become a teaching assistant. She takes the time to tutor and support her current students so that they can understand the class material.
"I believe that this school has affected me in many different ways. The confidence that I have gained through track has now carried over to the classroom. I have become a TA and been involved with so many things that I never thought I could do," Albury said.
Senior thrower Morgan Shigo on the men's side has also taken advantage of everything that Penn State has to offer. He takes pride in wearing Blue and White and feels that this school has made him a better person.
"When I came here, I was immediately engulfed into the culture and I believe there is nothing like it," Shigo said. "This school has made me more of a competitive person because you see the other athletes and the excellence in the classrooms."
Coming in as a freshman, Shigo did not know how to use the hammer and the weight throw. Now he is leaving the school with the chance of being named an All American in both events. As a freshman he spent weeks in practice finding a spot on this team. He practiced the throws and worked to become one of the top throwers in multiple throwing events.
"I came in five years ago as a freshman and I barely knew what the weight and hammer was. It took me a little while to find my niche in the hammer throw. I have grown by over ten meters in the hammer and over thirteen feet in the weight," Shigo said.
He has also found his place of leadership with the throwing squad, teaching many underclassmen how to achieve excellence and what it takes to be a successful college athlete.
"The environment here emphasizes how we as athletes need to be excellent and this specifically goes a long way with the throws," Shigo said. "When you come into this program you are expected to work hard every day. I hope that my senior class has shown the underclassmen the importance of Penn State track and field."
