by Darren DeLaune
MNN Sports Writer
HENRYETTA — Aundrea Hamric always knew she was a runner. She also believes if she does her best, success will follow.
Hamric, AKA “All Day,” to her teammates, carried home state runner-up medals in the 400-meter dash and 1,600-meter relay as a freshman. She also came in third for the 3,200-meter relay and sixth in the 800-meter relay. Winning state medals is a big accomplishment for any athlete. For a freshman, it’s even bigger.
“I am always wanting to do my best,” Hamric said. “When I’m running, my team is depending on me to run my hardest and fastest. They depend on me to do that just like I depend on them.”
That type of team play from each individual helped the Henryetta Knights build a great season. They expect next year to be even better and to improve on what they started this in 2012. Next season goals are to take state championships in their events.
Hamric knows it will be tough, but she is ready to tackle this goal head on.
“Next year, we have a target on our backs,” Hamric said. “We know that other schools know about us now, and that gives us more motivation to work harder and do our best. We know if we do our best, we have the best opportunity to take state.”
Hamric said her faith is always with her during races.
“My faith in the Lord is strong,” Hamric said. “My favorite book is the Holy Bible and my favorite passage is Philippians 4:13. We always pray as a team before we race and I feel that helps us out a lot.”
Although Hamric excels in track, she also loves basketball and softball as well. She and her family stay busy throughout the year, focusing on the sport of the season.
Currently, she is busy with competitive softball, which means she plays at a tournament almost every weekend against some of the best teams in the state. Hamric explains that other sports also play a role in getting her ready for track season.
“With all the sports that I play, I am constantly running,” Hamric said. “So when track season comes around, I am in good shape already.”
Whatever sport she’s playing, family and friends are there cheering her on and giving constant support.
Her mother, Roberta Hamric, has been very supportive and knows what her daughter is capable of.
“I am so proud of what she has accomplished this early in her high school career,” Hamric said. “Every sport she plays in, I feel like she is the underdog. It amazes me, and I am pretty sure it amazes her opponents at how strong and powerful she is when she is running.”
Henryetta Knights Track and Field Coach Brent Wion, Henryetta had nothing but praise for Hamric.
“Aundrea did a great job this year,” Wion said. “For a freshman, she stepped up into high school competition and showed great desire to help her team win. She is a heck of a competitor. She works as hard as anyone I have ever coached. The sky is the limit for Aundrea.”
Hamric is Creek and Seminole. Her parents are Seth and Roberta (Birdie) Hamric. Her clan is Hotvle (Wind) and her tribal town is Kialegee.
(Story provided to us by the Muscogee Nation News department, read this and others @ http://www.themuscogeecreeknation.com)
