Madison Altman
School: Hempfield
Class: Junior
Sport: Track and field
Claim to fame: Altman was named the track MVP at the Lady Spartan/Wildcat Invitational last weekend at Latrobe. She won the 100- and 300-meter hurdles and also anchored the winning 400- and 1,600-meter relays for the second straight year. Altman went on to set a meet record at the Slippery Rock Invitational with a time of 43.93 seconds in the 300 hurdles. Hempfield won the team title.
Did you think you could win track MVP at Latrobe?
Honestly, yes. I did believe I could win MVP. I’ve put in so much work that even being a bit injured I knew I could do what I’m capable of to become MVP.
Which win are you most proud of or impressed with from the meet and why?
I’m stuck between 4-by-400 relay and my 300 hurdles. I had such terrible mess-ups in my 300 hurdles but still somehow managed to put down a decent time, and I know can improve even more now. The 4-by-400 I was greatly impressed with being able to catch up with the team in front and win it for my team with a split of 58.26.
Were you pleased with your times?
My times weren’t all awesome. Hundred hurdles definitely needs some work, but 300 hurdles I was quite happy with considering how much I messed up in the race. Both relay times were all right, and I know there’s much improvement to come.
Are you right on schedule with your training or ahead of pace?
I’d say I’m on pace with my training. I’m not working too hard on the small details yet, just the overall for my races so I can continue to progress throughout the season.
You said after the meet that you have things to fix. What are they?
I have a lot to fix, particularly in my 100 hurdles, a lot of it being form issues that need adjustment and overall technique. The only other thing would be more solid handoffs for the 4-by-100 relay.
Did you think Hempfield would also win the team title?
I did believe Hempfield could win the team title. We have many athletes this year competing who do incredible jobs in their events and many who put in the work to deserve it.
Is 300 hurdles still your favorite event?
Yes, 300 hurdles is definitely my favorite event still. I love the adrenaline from it and how hard it is. It creates a nice challenge and always leaves me wanting to run it again to improve.
What are you most looking forward to as the season goes on?
I’m most looking forward to states and just my own personal growth in my races. States is just an amazing experience, and I believe I will be able to go again this year and, hopefully, place. As for my own growth, seeing the improvements I can make excites me for what comes next for me.
Do you still only compete in one sport?
Track and field is still the only sport I compete in. Unfortunately, I truly have no other time for any of sports as I keep myself busy all year around working on track in and out of season.
You watched Hempfield alum Jasmine Jones chase bronze at the Winter Olympics. Could you see yourself trying to bobsled?
I could maybe see myself trying bobsledding. I know it requires a lot of strength and power, and I think I have both of those. It would always be amazing thing to try.
What is the strength of this year’s Hempfield girls track & field team?
The strength of this year’s team would probably be our track events, mainly relays. We’ve never had main people for each relay, and this year it seems like we finally do. The girls on the team are also all very close and we all support each other in our events.
Who is a good role model in your life?
A good role model in my life would probably be my old coach from middle school, coach Trevor. He has always been an amazing coach, and I’ve learned so much about track and even coaching track myself. His positive attitude towards track and the athletes sets an amazing example, and I hope I can be a coach that sets that same example just like him.
Who was your favorite athlete at Hempfield when you were younger?
My favorite athlete at Hempfield when I was younger was probably Katie Dolinski, she was a junior when I came up to the high school. I didn’t really know her all that well at the time, but she was always very kind and a great person to be around. She made me feel welcome especially as a freshman going to states.
Who are the best male and female athletes at Hempfield right now?
I’d have to say Johnathan Stetchock is probably one of the best male athletes at Hempfield. The work he puts in, plus the results he gets are most deserved. Chesnee Smtih is also definitely one of our top athletes. She’s consistent in the work she puts in and a huge team supporter. I’d have to say I would also be up there for female athletes as I remain consistent in all my events and provide Hempfield with a great deal of points every meet.
What are the top five priorities in your life?
The top five priorities in my life are pursuing God in all I do and giving all of the glory of it to him; improving in track in all areas while being a team leader; staying consistent in my workouts on the track and in the weight room; keeping myself healthy with what I eat and how I take care of my body; and maintaining a good relationship with all my family and friends.
What clubs are you in at school?
I’m part of FCA, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, where we focus on following God while also maintaining a sport.
Do you lift weight when you train?
I constantly lift weights in my training. I’ve seen it’s made huge improvements this year in my speed and overall abilities after I made it a consistent habit all year long.
What event in track and field have you always been curious to try?
I’ve always been curious to try the 800 and have tried to convince my coaches to put me in it for meets that weren’t as important. One day, maybe I will get to try it. Maybe even long jump. I think I could be decent at it.
Do you follow Pittsburgh pro sports? What do you think of the Pirates this year?
I do not follow Pittsburgh pro sports. I have honestly never watched the Pirates, let alone any baseball, in my life. I just don’t have a great interest in it.
Will you pay attention to the NFL Draft?
I will most likely not pay attention to it. I also am not huge into watching or paying attention to football. I still appreciate the sport and enjoyed playing flag football when I was younger, but the draft isn’t very interesting to me.
Sean Cartwright
School: Franklin Regional
Class: Junior
Sport: Track and field
Claim to fame: Cartwright recently received combined MVP honors at the Lady Spartan/Wildcat Invitational on April 11. He won the 110-meter hurdles and the high jump. He also placed third in the 300-meter hurdles. He also broke two 50-year-old records that were held by Elroy Kunselman (hurdles) and Bob Curtis (high jump). He has run 14.45 in the 110 hurdles and 6-foot-7 in the high jump.
Can you describe your feelings about breaking those records?
I have been looking at the records every day in the gym, and it means a lot to finally break them. It was not a major surprise that I broke them.
Can you talk about your twin brother Ethan’s progress?
He is coming on in the hurdles. He was a middle-distance runner before, and now I got him in the hurdles. He gets better every day. He just broke the 300-meter hurdle record. Having him competing against me makes me better. It reminds me of the Lett twins (Aidon and Ekoulus) competing in the hurdles.
What are your realistic goals this season?
I want to run sub 14 in the hurdles and be a more consistent jumper in the high jump. I would like to reach 6-9.
What will it take to beat Plum’s Owen Proskin?
Owen is pretty good. It is nice to compete against him.
Do you play any other sport?
I play basketball. I do not play a lot, but I do my best.
What is the biggest thing you would change about yourself?
I need to be more consistent in everything I do.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Virginia Beach. We go there every year, and it is like a second home.
Is there a place on your bucket list to visit?
I want to go to Europe, which would be cool
Where do you and your teammates go after practice or meet for a snack?
The team likes to go to Applebee’s. I like the app sampler.
What is your favorite meal?
My mom makes an awesome salmon dinner.
What was the last movie you saw?
“Interstellar.”
What is your favorite type of movie?
I like comedies.
What type of music do you like?
I like all music, mainly rock and roll and rap
Who are your favorite pro teams?
I like the Steelers.
Who is your favorite player?
T.J. Watt.
Who should the Steelers take with their first pick in the upcoming NFL Draft?
We need a quarterback. A good wide receiver or offensive lineman would be good, too.
How far will the Penguins go in the playoffs?
I am not a big hockey fan, but I hope they go far.
If you were to have lunch or dinner with someone famous, who would it be and what would to talk about?
A: Our savior, Jesus Christ. I would like to know more about his life.