Robert Jeffrey

Sun Sports Contributor

Cameron Turner Photo

NEW BERLIN – As a four year varsity track and field athlete, Julia Oglesby, a junior at Unadilla Valley is primed for her first trip to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Track and Field State Championships as she competes in the 100m dash.

Just like with any endeavor in life, there is always a process involved to breaking through to reach excellence. And in Oglesby’s case, she’s steered the course of adversity that has brought her to this very moment.

The journey to the New York State Championships began when Oglesby was in sixth grade as she counted down the days until the seventh grade modified sports season began; opening a whole new world of organized athletics.

However, the first major step was making it to Section IV State Qualifiers over the past two seasons of her varsity career, and now she’s reached to what many high school athletes deem as the pinnacle of success within the sport.

“It’s pretty big news for me to have the opportunity to compete in the state meet,” said Oglesby of her well-earned accomplishment.

Yet, despite the excitement of converging and competing with some of the best high school track and field athletes in New York State, Oglesby still has work to do.

“This is the big week and my coaches have put together workouts that work exclusively on the technique and dynamics of sprinting the 100m which is something I’m working to improve. The biggest thing is not letting the big stage get into my head, and to run my race,” said Oglesby.

While emotions run high, and as Oglesby maintains her focus to this weekend’s main event, Unadilla Valley head coach Bill Holdrege understands the secret to the upper-classman’s success on the track.