Bellefonte High School freshman Althea Helms has been breaking long-lasting school records. Althea’s first exposure to track was as a young child.
“I got into track when I did a summer at Nittany Track when I was nine. I didn’t do anything with it after that until middle school,” Althea said.
Althea broke one of our school’s oldest track records this year.
“Althea broke the school record in the Triple Jump. The record was set in 1979 by Miss Roberta Brown. This is one of the oldest school records we have. In addition, Althea is also on top ten records in the 200m, 400m, Long Jump, 4x100m relay, 4x400m relay, and 4x800m relay,” Track and field Coach Seth Miller said.
Althea has already broken many school records in track but she isn’t done yet. She still has another three seasons left.
“My goals in track are to get the girl’s 400 record and eventually get the girl’s long jump record,” Althea said.
Coach Miller describes Althea as a happy, motivated person, both on and off the track.
“Althea is always positive and can light up any room. She is a hard-working individual who is self-motivated,” Coach Miller said.
Additionally, Coach and science teacher Mr. Chris Freidhoff feels Althea is always bringing out the best in her teammates and motivating them.
“Althea is a very talented athlete who brings out the best in others. She is an incredible athlete and contributes a lot to the team,” Mr. Freidhoff said.
Althea seeks her motivation from her family and the life lessons she has learned from watching them.
“My biggest inspiration is my parents because they have shown me how to be persistent and determined,” Althea said.
Althea is looking forward to a lot of things but she is most excited for the relationships she has yet to form.
“I’m looking forward to making friends and meeting new people at meets,” Althea said.
Althea likes hanging out with friends but her favorite memories of the track so far are the training itself.
“My favorite memories are at jumps training or running around during the 4by4,” Althea said.
Althea is proud of the progress she has made in her freshman season but is far from done accomplishing things in track.
“I feel like I have made lots of progress so far this season, but I have lots I still want to achieve,” she said.
