Feb. 16, 2005
For Rowena Hamlet (Mississauga, Ontario, Canada/Lorne Park Secondary School), the UTPA track and field season got off to a solid start after the team's first meet in Houston on Jan. 28th when she recorded two personal-bests in the 200- and 400-meter races. The Lady Bronc senior sprinter is focused on having a standout season.
"My goals are not so much to break any of the school records, but just to improve overall as an athlete," said Hamlet. "To do a whole lot better than I did last year."
Hamlet started her track and field career at Lorne Park Secondary School in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. The young sprinter garnered a lot of attention during her high school days, and soon realized that she could compete at the collegiate level.
"Throughout high school, I started drawing scouts at my meets. A lot of people started noticing me so then I started thinking about competing at the collegiate level more seriously," added Hamlet.
Hamlet participated in more than just track and field in high school. The Ontario native was a six-sport athlete, participating in volleyball, soccer, field hockey, basketball and rugby.
"It was really good growing up and playing sports in Ontario. I found there was a lot of variety, and it always gave me something to do. It kept me busy," Hamlet said.
During her high school track and field campaign, the Lady Broncs' sprinter qualified as an alternate for the Canadian Summer Games. She did not participate during those games, but Hamlet hopes to compete in this summer's Canadian National Championships, which is equivalent to the NCAA National Championships.
"When I go home over the summer, hopefully I'll qualify and compete," said Hamlet.
The 2004 regional qualifier is also hoping to make it to the NCAA National Championships this June in Sacramento, CA. At last year's regional meet, Hamlet achieved the second fastest time in program history in the 400-meter hurdles with a mark of 1:01.88. Hamlet also owns the UTPA Lady Broncs' record in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 59.96, which she achieved at the Rice Twilight en route to earning second-place honors.
UTPA track and field head coach Ricky Vaughn thinks this is Hamlet's year to get to the NCAA Championships.
"Rowena has gotten steadily better every year. She had a great meet (on Jan. 28th) where she set two personal-bests in the 200 and 400. Hopefully in the next meet or two, she can get the school record in both of those races. Ultimately, we are looking at the outdoor season with the 400-meter hurdles and trying to get her to nationals, which I think is a very realistic goal for her this year," said Vaughn.
During her career, Hamlet believes she has learned quality skills, such as discipline and communication, which has improved her performances on the track. The Ontario native credits her family and coaches for being her biggest influences.
"I would say my family and my club coach from home are my biggest inspirations. I was in a track club at home, and Coach (Marc) Christie really helped. The family support and having them help you realize that you can be more than what you set out to do have been good," Hamlet stated.
Hamlet's faith in God has also been a major influence on her track and field career.
"I can't do it without Him. None of this is me. It's all God, a lot of his miracles and his blessings, and whatever He has in store for me that is all I'm trying to fulfill," said Hamlet.
With the upcoming outdoor track and field season right around the corner, Hamlet will look to take her performances to a higher level with the help of a higher power.
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