2008 Woodie Awards
Women advance on to state finals
Profile: Providing inspiration, Barrow has excelled both on and off the field
By: Jeff Mahoney
Issue date: 5/13/04 Section: Sports
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After sharing the state championship spotlight with ex-teammate Sophia Ruiz, this year was supposed to be Caitlin Barrow's to claim what had slipped past her the year before.
During her freshman year, Barrow helped revive returning sprinter Ruiz. The two of them enjoyed competing at last year's state championships.
Barrow qualified in the long jump, high jump and the 1,600-meter relay team with Ruiz, who is now running for CSU Chico.
"In my eleven years in coaching , Barrow is probably the most able athlete I've ever had," assistant coach Kevin Hughley said.
"Barrow is our team leader out there on the field," coach Dean Lofgren said. "She's a good multi-event person. She's our backbone."
Once again Barrow was among the state's leaders in the 400 meter, long jump, high jump and the 1,600-meter relay where she was teamed with Krystal Johnson, Lyndsey Brown and Shameer Johnson. She has also regularly competes in up to five events.
The team will be competing in the Southern California Championships Saturday in Bakersfield.
"I love the exercise," Barrow said, I love competing," Barrow has also placed herself on the EC all time top 10 list in the high jump with a 5 feet 3 inches. Her achievements on the track go along with maintaining above a 3.5 GPA.
Barrow won the Norm Verry scholarship this year for athletic and academic achievement. She has chosen business as her major, and set a goal for herself to get a track scholarship. While Cal State Long Beach, CSU Los Angeles and CSU Dominguez Hills all inquired about Barrow, she is leaning toward CSU Los Angeles or CSU Dominguez Hills.
"She comes in and prepares herself like a mature athlete; she takes practice very seriously," assistant coach Denise Diego said. "She's a dream to coach."
Along with the glory comes the aches and pains. Having shinsplints and having to sprint; cramping up after a run and getting ready for the next event. "You have to have a strategy, and follow it," Barrow said.