Haeseler representing Eagles again at state tournament
· Yahoo Sports
Ella Haeseler said that having pressure is not a problem, it’s more of a privilege.
Visit playerbros.org for more information.
A year ago, the last place Haesler expected to be was competing in the Ohio High School Athletic Association State Track and Field championships at Jesse Owens Stadium in Columbus
This year, though, the recent Geneva graduate knew she was expected to return, and expectations create pressure.
But Haeseler not only has handled the pressure, she’s overcame it and will once again represent the Eagles at the state championships in the Division III event.
Haeseler is scheduled to compete 9:30 a.m. Saturday.
A year ago, she made her Columbus debut and finished 17th in the event with a top throw of 111’3”.
Though she did not hit the podium, Haeseler said she relished the opportunity.
“The experience was incredible,” she said. “I didn’t place where I wanted to. But it was awesome. Just being there, the energy is incredible. It’s a much more serious attitude than just a regular track meet.”
Now, competing in what will be her final athletic event for Geneva High School, Haeseler said there were definitely pressure from the expectations to get back.
But pressure is something she’s used to help her succeed.
“Pressure is a privilege,” said Haeseler, who also played volleyball for Geneva. “It honestly is. The more pressure, the better I seem to do. I don’t get disappointed easily. I just try to stay focused and do my best.”
Annah Haeseler, the Eagles’ girls track and field coach and her mother, said Ella has handled the pressure well all season.
“I think when you reach the track state meet, there’s almost a disappointment, if you do not reach it again, at least in your head,” the coach said. “I hope she does not think I put the pressure on her, but, there’s a pressure to perform and I think she handled it well.
“She is calm and cool under pressure. She likes to know what she needs to throw and typically she hits it. So, we’re excited to get to go again and maybe have less of a pressure moment, maybe enjoy the moment a little more.”
At the Austintown Fitch Regional meet last weekend, Haeseler locked up her ticket to the state tournament with a throw of 120’10”, good for fourth place.
She hopes to exceed her personal record of 123’6”.
“My goal is to get on the podium,” Haeseler said. “I want to throw 130’00. I know that’s not a big far stretch, but I’ve never done it before.
“But, I’ve been working really hard. I’m rested and I feel ready to just go out there and throw hard.”
Coach Haeseler believes she’s in a great spot to hit her goal.
“She knows what she needed to do and she’s been doing it,” she said. “She’s hit the weight room hard. She’s known what she’s needed to do and she’s done it.”
Starting in the fall, Ella Haeseler is going to attend Cleveland State University for school and to compete on the track and field team.