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State discus champion ready for next step
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Neighbors | Submitted .Poland alumnus Allison Rice (center) placed first in discus in the state track meet in June. She will be attending Westminster College with her twin sister, Julie, in the fall.
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Neighbors | Submitted .Allison Rice broke Poland Seminary High School's discus record her sophmore year and broke it again this year throwing 39.26 meters at the state track meet. She will continue to throw discus at Westminster College.
By SHAIYLA HAKEEM
Most athletes dream of competing for a state title. Some of these dreams become a reality.
Poland Seminary High School alum Allison Rice took first in the discus at the state track meet in June. This was her first time competing at the state level, but not the first time she has broken records.
In 2008, Rice’s sophomore year, she set a new record for discus that remained until she reset it by throwing 128 feet at the state competition.
The experience of making it to state and placing first was surreal to Rice. She never imagined she would be standing at the top of the podium with a gold medal hanging from her neck.
“I thought, ‘this really can’t be for real,’” Rice said. “I just hoped they didn’t change their mind.”
Rice began throwing discus in seventh grade because she thought it was something she would be good at. Running, she said, was out of the question. Her father also motivated her to stay consistent with the sport. She enjoys throwing because it is different from traditional competitive sports.
“It isn’t as stressful as other sports,” Rice said. “It’s actually very relaxing.”
In addition to discus, Rice also threw shot put and was a member of the high school tennis team. She will not be returning to Poland Seminary High School in the fall, but plans to stay involved in athletics.
A track camp was held June 23 through July 2 where Rice helped elementary students learn the fundamentals of throwing.
“I enjoy working with the kids,” she said. “They are stronger than what they think.”
She is still in Poland, but not for long. She is working for the remainder of the summer preparing for her college venture.
Westminster College does not offer athletic scholarships, but that isn’t stopping Rice from competing. She will begin classes at Westminster in the fall and will throw for the track and field team. She plans to obtain a degree focusing on chemistry which she will use to become a teacher.
Rice said she will miss high school, but it’s time for her to move on. Luckily, she won’t have to make the journey alone. Her twin sister, Julie, will be with her every step of the way.
“I will miss Poland because I already know everyone here,” Rice said. “I’m going to have to start over, but Julie will be there with me.”