2008 Female Athlete Of The Year:

Also, there was just a great atmosphere at state — everyone there is good and you’re just running with the best of the best.

GR: Was it exciting competing in front of a packed stadium for the state meet?

CC: It felt nice running at Cerritos because it felt like just another meet, sort of. It wasn’t just another meet, but it felt less stressful than [the state meet] last year. There was just great energy and when the evening got started and the lights went on, that was just really exciting.

GR: During cross-country season and even early in track season this year, you were quoted as saying you get intimidated in big meets. Leading into the state meet for track, you said that you had learned to relax and just compete. Had you gained more confidence by that point, so that you felt more comfortable and not intimidated by those big races?

CC: Yeah. The process was definitely easier than last year. I felt like one of the top girls in each of those CIF qualifying races. ...I became more comfortable because I was used to the qualifying races and getting past each hurdle. I just felt like the bigger fish — I was a senior, I knew what I was doing. I knew I just had to qualify, even if I didn’t win each race.

But each qualifying race really wears you down mentally and physically. Southern Section is just so hard. It’s a tough process, but it’s worth it.

GR: During the 1,600 race at state, you relied on a strong finishing kick to hold off a pretty aggressive challenge for third from [Casa Grande’s] Jacque Taylor. You said after the race that you were determined to not let her pass you. Was that something that came along with gaining confidence — the attitude that no one could take what’s yours?

CC: I wanted to place second in that race. I really don’t think it was one of my best races, honestly. I do remember the last 50 meters and already losing [second] and thinking, ‘There’s no way I’m gonna get fourth in this race.’ I was trying to just hold onto my spot the best that I could. I actually think my best 1,600 was at the Masters Meet.

GR: So, Masters was what you consider your best race in that event. What do you think goes into having a good race or bad race? Is it just the different factors of that particular day or conditions or who you’re racing against that determines it?