Amy Baggs gold
Amy Baggs shocked herself Friday.
The 16-year-old, Grade 10 student at Eden could hardly contain herself after placing first in the junior girls 800-metre race at the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) South Regional track and field meet at the Niagara Olympic Club.
“I just wanted to go out and try and stay with the one girl who always beats me,” Baggs said after composing herself. “I didn’t really think (I could) and then the last 100 I thought ‘Let’s go for it.’ ’’
Eden track coach Vicky Scholz was blown away with Baggs’ performance on such a big stage.
“We thought maybe she would get fourth and then she came around that corner and just killed it. We were amazed. We were stunned how fast she was running,” Scholz said. “We were all high-fiving. We couldn’t believe it.
“She really wanted it. We could tell. She’s really wanted to go to OFSAA. She’s been for cross county but not for track and she really wanted this.”
Scholz said what sets Baggs apart from the competition is her drive.
“She’s not satisfied with not doing the best she can. She gets very upset when she doesn’t do the best she can and she always puts out 100 per cent,” Scholz said.
Baggs gave credit to her teammates at Athletics Niagara for her work ethic.
“I learned a lot from my teammates this year. Training with them it’s always like a race and they always push me to be my best and I push myself.
“We all work hard together.”
Baggs is a relative novice to the sport.
“I’ve been training for track for six months and I know all these girls have been training or six years. Me and my mom put it in perspective. I knew I was going to run my hardest and it is whatever it is,” she said.
Baggs said while the berth at OFSAA is great, it doesn’t factor into her preparation.
“Honestly, I don’t run each race like I’m going to OFSAA. I run each race to get to the next one,” she said. “It’s not about getting to OFSAA, it’s about getting to each race because SOSSA and OFSAA and two really hard races to get to. I’m just happy to be there.”
Having said that, she’s thrilled to be heading to Guelph June 6-8.
“I think it’s going to be so much fun because all my friends are going. We’re all just so excited to go together.”
The top four finishers in each event advance to the OFSAA championships.
In addition to primary high school sponsors. Johnny Rocco’s and Mick and Angelo’s, BPSN’s coverage of the track and field season is made possible with the support of the Niagara Olympic Club (https://nocrunners.com).
SUPPORT US
On the right side of our web site, you will notice a yellow SUPPORT US button.
We are asking anyone who finds value in our work and is able to financially help us to click on the button and contribute whatever amount you feel is appropriate and can afford. There is no set amount. Any amount is appreciated.
The funds collected will be used to enhance and offset the expenses of running the web site.
