Running to Australia
Holly Martin, center, runs warm-up laps with her track teammates during a recent practice.
MOSES LAKE - Running is one of the ways Moses Lake's Holly
Martin spends her afternoons.
The Moses Lake High School junior is hoping her efforts in both
cross-country and track will afford her the opportunity to go to
college on a scholarship.
In the meantime, she is working to raise money for a trip to
Australia to participate in the Down Under Sports Program.
MOSES LAKE - Running is one of the ways Moses Lake's Holly Martin spends her afternoons.
The Moses Lake High School junior is hoping her efforts in both cross-country and track will afford her the opportunity to go to college on a scholarship.
In the meantime, she is working to raise money for a trip to Australia to participate in the Down Under Sports Program.
"It's the 23rd year for the program," Martin said. "It will be nice to go and compete with kids with a similar mind-set."
Martin, 17, is part of the West Central Conference Team, made up of 35 runners from 10 states.
"I want to have this great running experience and sports are kind of my life," Martin said.
Martin has been running in cross-country events since middle school and was recruited by her coach to give distance running on the track a try. She competes in the one- and two-mile races.
"It's definitely a lot of fun. That's why I stick with it," Martin said.
In addition to competing with other runners in Australia, Martin will have the opportunity to sample some culture with an Aboriginal experience and a tour of Sydney Harbor.
Martin is hoping the competition will sharpen her running abilities and, ultimately, help her better her times.
"I like to run against the clock more than people," Martin said. "I like to try to beat my times."
Her personal record in the one-mile race is 5:56 and the two-mile event is a new one for her.
Martin said her performance last season is what brought going to college to the forefront as a running goal.
"I want to make college times and run in college," Martin said.
With that goal in mind, Martin still wants to keep running fun for herself. "I don't want to make a career out of it," she said.
Outside of her upcoming trip to Australia, Martin said she thinks the season is starting well for the Chiefs.
"I have a really good feeling about the season," Martin said.
To donate to Holly Martin, visit www.downundersports.com and select "sponsor."