Athlete Spotlight
Hometown
Wilsonville, Ore. |
High
School
Wilsonville |
Year
Senior |
Major
Journalism |
In a program that has been famous
for producing outstanding throwers, Megan has proven to be one
of the top athletes in the NWC. The senior was an All-American
in 2005 with a sixth place finish at the indoor track and field
national meet in the weight throw. A four time all conference
selection Megan is eyeing to add even more titles to her resume
in her last season at PLU.
Describe
your family. How have they helped you in your athletic career?
My family consists of my mom (Glenna), my dad (Robb)
and my older brother (Brian). They’ve all been tremendously
supportive of me for as far back as I can remember. I can definitely
say my parents are my No. 1 fans. In my career at PLU, they’ve
come to practically every track and field meet, whether it was
20 miles away or 2,000 miles away. And with them living out of
state, that’s not an easy task.
What made you decide to come
to PLU?
I was drawn to PLU because of the people, the journalism
program and the rich tradition of track and field. When I visited
the campus while in high school, the people are what made the
difference for me. I knew this was a place where I wanted to be.
Have you studied abroad?
If so, describe your experiences?
Yes. I went to Australia during my junior year and it was by far
one of the best experiences of my life. I learned so much about
the Australian history, culture and how the media there is different
from the U.S. I hope to visit Australia again. I encourage all
students who have the opportunity to study abroad to take advantage
of it.
What has been your favorite
class at PLU?
I have enjoyed multiple classes. I don’t think
I can pick just one. A few that stick out for me are: Body Image,
Moral Philosophy, Communication Law and In Depth Reporting.
What are you plans after
college?
I’ll graduate this May with Bachelor of Arts in
Communication, with an emphasis in Journalism. I currently freelance
for a daily newspaper in the area, but I’m also hunting
the job market for a sports reporter’s position at a daily
newspaper. I’ve applied to newspapers all over the country,
but I really enjoy the Northwest. Hopefully, I’ll land a
reporter’s job in the area when I graduate. If not here,
then hopefully somewhere.
When your athletic career
is all said and done, what is it that you would want people to
say about you?
I want people to say that whatever I did, I always gave
100 percent. Maybe I wasn’t the most talented athlete, but
I gave everything during practice and track meets. I found out
I had a knack for hammer throwing and developed that talent through
hard work and work ethic. The saying, “Hard work pays off”
did dividends for me.
Describe your hometown and
what you miss about it the most.
I grew up in Wilsonville, Ore., which is a city of around 18,000,
located about 20 miles south of Portland. Whenever I go home,
something new has been built or construction is taking place somewhere.
The city has grown immensely over the past few years. But there’s
never a better feeling than being home.
What's your favorite spot
on campus?
The hammer/discus cage and Names Fitness Center.
What does your pre-competition
meal consist of?
Because throwers compete in the mornings, my pre-competition
breakfast is very important. I always have a bowl of Cheerios.
Sometimes, I’ll add berries to it. But I can never go to
a track meet without Cool Blue Gatorade. That’s always a
must!
What is your favorite restaurant
in Tacoma?
It would probably be The Melting Pot, but because it’s so
expensive, I don’t go all that often.
What music is playing in
your ipod right now?
I have at least 1,000 songs on my iPod; I’ve got a bit of
everything. I recently added Rascal Flatts and Dire Straits.
