Nina Moreno article (TX)

[rainbowgirl28]

http://www.caller.com/ccct/high_school_ ... 64,00.html

Soaring to new heights
By Javier Becerra Caller-Times
May 10, 2006


Nina Moreno waited four years before finally earning her first trip to the University Interscholastic League state track and field championships.

Even then, it almost didn't happen.

After making a practice run during warm-ups for the pole vault at the Region IV-3A meet two weeks ago, Moreno took a wrong step off the mat and sprained her right ankle. The first injury in Moreno's career didn't keep the Mathis senior down for long, however.

"It was me really just being clumsy," she said. "I'm always falling all over the place, only this time I happened to sprain my ankle. It scared me because it happened at the wrong time, but I knew I had to suck it up since it's my senior year."

Moreno went on to clear 11 feet and take the gold medal, beating two-time defending state champion Ariana Ince of Gonzales on fewer misses. The effort ended a string of three disappointing finishes at the regional meet.

Last year, Moreno tied for ninth place after going out at 8-6. She cleared 9-6 to finish sixth in 2004 and went 9-0 to finish fifth as a freshman.

As Moreno prepares for her final competition, only one thing is on her mind - a gold medal.

"That would be an awesome way to end my senior year," she said.

It's definitely possible.

Moreno is one of three on her way to Austin with a qualifying height of 11-0, including Ince and Region I champion Christal Brewster of Graham. The rest of the field advanced with marks from 9-6 to 10-3.

To win at state or even medal, Moreno knows what must happen.

"I'm trying really hard to set a personal best," she said. "My best is 11-0, but I've cleared 11-6 in practice. I know I'm up there, but I can't let it go to my head."

Moreno's mental fortitude was clearly demonstrated at the regional meet.

Having just completed a run-through, Moreno turned to listen to Mathis pole vault coach John Kniffen as she stepped off the mat. The result was a twisted right ankle that began to swell quickly.

"She walked it off, but was still in some pain," girls track coach Cyndi Westbrook said. "We didn't ice it down and kept her shoe on. There was a tear or two, but she sucked it up."

It's exactly how Westbrook expected Moreno to respond.

"I think for a split second she might have seen her chances kind of get away, but she worked too hard to let that happen," Westbrook said. "She regrouped, came back and did exactly what she needed to do. I knew she had the potential, she just had to overcome the nerves and initial feeling of being scared."

It was evident she did when Moreno cleared 11-0 on her first attempt.

"I just kept telling myself it was my last chance to make it to state," Moreno said.