Madison Altman
School: Hempfield
Class: Junior
Sport: Track and field
Claim to fame: Altman won the 60-meter hurdles at the Tri-State Track Coaches Association Indoor Championships at Edinboro’s Mike Zafirovski Sports and Recreation Dome. Her winning time was 8.99 seconds. She also ran a leg of the winning 1,600-meter relay with Charlee Wood, Peyton Leduc and Chesnee Smith in 4 minutes, 11.37 seconds.
What has been going well for you this indoor track season?
The thing that’s been going well for me is just my overall mindset, being able to push through the downhill moments of the season when I got a bit stuck. I was able to push past the rough times to continue going.
Did you expect to win a title last week at the championships?
Honestly, no. I’ve never really imagined I was going to be able to get that title for indoor. I knew I had come to the meet to place and get points for my team, but getting the title felt out of reach. I am beyond grateful that I was able to achieve that title in the end.
Was that your best time (8.99 seconds)?
For now, it is the best time I’ve ever run. I truly hope and think that I can drop it even more, especially after being able to drop off about 0.20 seconds to achieve that time.
What did the 1,600-meter relay do well to win its race?
We each made sure what marks we had to hit, and that we had to finish strong until the end. Practicing our handoffs made an even bigger difference, helping to make sure each of us started off right and that the baton never stopped moving. Keeping the baton moving is one of the most important things we focus on to achieve success.
What other events do you compete in for indoor and outdoor season?
I have competed in the 4-by-200 relay, 4-by-400 relay, open 200 and open 400. My main events consistently being hurdles and both relays. For outdoor track, I compete in 100 (hurdles), 300 (hurdles), 400 relay, 4-by-400 relay and plan on starting to compete in the open 200 for outdoor as well. I will say 300 (hurdles) will always be my favorite and number one.
Do you train on your own, outside of practice?
I consistently train on my own even in the offseason, through workouts on the track to strength training in the weight room. I’ve noticed the huge impact this has already had on my season and has helped me improve greatly. Training in the offseason is definitely one of the beneficial things any athlete can do.
Do you play another sports?
I do not compete in any other sports as of right now, though I have done a vast variety in my life. Gymnastics was the first sport I’ve ever done, and I’ve learned that a lot of track athletes have actually done gymnastics at some point.
What is your favorite sport to watch?
My favorite sport to watch is track for sure. Not many other sports have that adrenaline that comes from track even just watching it. Especially 4-by-400 or any relay, when it comes down to that last person and they are neck-and-neck, always the most amazing this to watch.
What are some of your favorite hobbies?
Reading and art are probably my most favorite hobbies. I don’t get a whole lot of time for them thanks to constant work with track, but I absolutely love when I have time to enjoy doing my own little things.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
My braids that I wear for track are something I’ve been doing forever. Even since middle school, I haven’t stopped wearing my braids for my track seasons, it’s become my signature look with even a few athletes being able to recognize who I am by them.
Do you have any pets?
Yes, I have the most amazing dog ever. Her name is Willow. She’s a pit bull and is an absolute sweetheart. Coming home from a long day of track and school and getting to see her is the best part honestly. Especially coming home after long indoor track meets all day, and she wakes up just to say hi to me just makes my day.
What motivates you as an athlete?
My relationship with God is my biggest motivator as an athlete. I wouldn’t even be here at any of these practices or meets if it wasn’t for him.
What would be your ideal NIL deal?
Maybe Nike or Asics since those brands are the main things I always use.
What did you think of Jasmine Jones getting a bronze medal at the Winter Olympics?
I’m so proud of Jasmine’s accomplishments. I hope to one day get to where she is. She honestly is such an inspiration seeing her come from Hempfield track just like me and being able to go to the Olympics.
What is the best advice anyone has ever given you?
The best advice has come from my parents, especially my mom. Reminding me that I’m doing this sport to glorify God, and that no matter what, I have parents that are proud of me.
What kind of music do you like?
I love listening to any worship or Christian music. I always listen to it on days of a meet or after the meet is over to help remind myself who this is all for. Even outside of track, it brings joy to me in the days that are rough.
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
Any science by far. I find such interest in the learning of human biology or even animal biology, especially when it breaks down a lot of the why things work the way they do.
Tommy Westerman
School: Franklin Regional
Class: Junior
Sport: Swimming
Claim to fame: Westerman won his first WPIAL Class 3A 200 freestyle title this week. He also earned a silver medal in the 500 freestyle and was on the Panthers’ fourth-place 400 freestyle relay and fifth-place 200 freestyle relay. He set a school record in the 500 freestyle with a time of 4 minutes, 33.48 seconds, breaking the old mark of 4:34.45 held by Garret Hehn in 2009.
What are your feelings about winning the WPIAL title?
It means a lot. I set the tone for the rest of the team, and that meant a lot. It is a great accomplishment. It is the biggest win in my high school career.
What was it like in that moment?
I was seeded No. 1, and I competed against a strong field. So winning was exciting.
How old were you when you started to swim?
I was 6. I grew up around water. I grew up in Boston near the beach.
Who do you swim for in the summer?
I swim for Boston Commons and Pittsburgh Elite Aquatics.
Who got you started?
My mom (Heather). She was a swimmer at Boston College, and she showed me a lot.
Can you swim all the events?
Yes. I like swimming the 400 IM for the club team, but I like them all.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Alaska. I like mountains, the lakes, the wildlife. It is a great place to go hiking.
Is there a place swimming has taken you that you would like to go back?
St. Petersburg, Fla. I competed in the nationals there.
Is there a place on your bucket list to visit?
I want to go to Europe. France and Italy would be the top of the list.
Where do you and your teammates go after practice or meets for a snack?
The team likes to go to Sheetz. I do not get anything, but I like to hang out with them. I prefer Chick-fil-A. I will get a couple sandwiches.
What is your favorite meal?
I like just steak, rare to medium rare.
Do you play any other sports?
No, just swimming. I used to play hockey.
What was the last movie you saw?
“Interstellar.”
What is your favorite movie?
“Cars.”
What type of music do you like?
I like all music.
Who are your favorite pro teams?
I like the Penguins, the Steelers and Patriots.
Have you met anyone famous?
Swimmer Regan Smith at the 2021 Olympic trials.
If you were to have lunch or dinner with someone famous, who would it be and what would to talk about?
Sidney Crosby and we would talk about his career.