|
Shreve: The Reluctant Superstar
| 
|
| Jann Shreve, Windsor Lancers, Track & Field |
2004 CIS Track and Field Championship
Windsor - In the weeks leading up to the 2004 Track and Field Championship, which will be hosted at the University of Windsor from March 11 - 13, we will continue to profile some of nation's top athletes who will be competing at this year's event. This week we feature the University of Windsor's Jann Shreve.
Jann Shreve is a quiet girl that just likes to go about her business, most of the time with her ears covered with earphones, bopping to her own beats.
The 2003 CIS Rookie of the Year raised some eyebrows on her way to winning the triple jump title last year. Now the big story is whether she can repeat with the added pressure and the entire country watching. She comes in as the top ranked competitor but she has had some hiccups at the recent conference champions, with three straight faults.
"It still sounds weird to hear (that I'm the defending champion), it's also rare in this sport that people defend their titles," added the Windsor native. "Any pressure I feel is all me but if I find a way to feel confident I'll be fine."
Facing stiff competition is nothing new to Shreve, although her strongest test comes from within. Considered a late bloomer by many, she has all the tools to succeed according to her coach Brett Lumley.
"She's stronger, fitter and faster and more technically sound than she was last year," adds Lumley. "If she can find the board (after her triple-fault at the OUA Championships), I expect her to jump very well at this year's championships."
She enjoys the stability and mentorship that a coach like Lumley brings.
"He brings reason when I get emotional and irrational," added the 20 year old. "I can't get mad at him because I fully trust him to always make the best decision for me,"
The sport of track and field can be tough for a young athlete since it is very individual and often a mental game. It seems Shreve is slowly figuring it out and getting used to the psychological part of the jump. At least she can turn to someone who's been through the pressure situations before if she has any fallbacks, since her brother is current CFL star Kamau Peterson.
They converse often, especially before and after important competitions, exchanging views on the psyche of an athlete in many situations. Shreve even has aspirations to join her brother in the CFL, even if it's just as part of the media relations personnel. She also brings pictures of family and friends with her everywhere she goes to make her feel more at home.
She blames her up and down season on her inconsistencies on the runway. She's a perfectionist and likes the fact that the triple jump requires rhythm, timing and technique. She's looking to end the season on a high note in her hometown.
"I do better when people around me are doing well," explained Shreve. "I'm looking forward to the competition at CI's, especially with some of my rivals (Western's Alanna Boudreau and Toronto's Jocelyn Adu-Gyumfi)
This championship is important to Shreve so she can firmly establish her place atop the triple jump podium and prove last year was merely a start to a promising career. Then and only then will she perfect playing the part of the reluctant superstar.
*************************
CIS TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS RECORD HOLDER PROFILE
 Profile of Jessica Zelinka
School: University of Calgary
Year: 3rd
Event(s): Pentathlon, 60m hurdles & 60 m
Current Rankings: 1st in Canada in Pentathlon, 60m hurdles & 60 m
CIS Nominee for: Female Track Athlete of the Year
CIS Record Ho |
PRINT
THIS STORY