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Burning desire to win fuels Lecanto standout

Haddock seeks return to the form that enabled her to set school record.

By DAWN REISS
Published March 23, 2005

LECANTO - Tara Haddock loves to finish first.

"You can turn around and see everyone else coming in, gasping for air,"the Lecanto junior said. "You feel like a winner."

It didn't take her long to learn that feeling. On the grade-school playground, she'd race boys to see who could go the fastest. "My whole life, I've always been competitive," Haddock said. "I just hate losing. I don't know a better way to beat someone than running, by proving right then and there that you have it."

As a freshman, she set the school record (1:00.12) in the 400 meters at the state meet. "I can remember it like it was yesterday," Haddock said.

She was nervous and awkward.

"Everyone looked so big and fast," Haddock said. "I had no technique or secrets. I just ran."

Being there made her feel like a champion despite a 10th-place finish, two spots from receiving a medal. "I got my hopes set up high that one day I could win a medal and break the 1-minute mark," Haddock said.

Perhaps this could be the season. She had hoped to do it last year as a sophomore.By district, Haddock ran a 1:01 (a second faster than the previous season) and continued to improve at regionals. But in state, she ran poorly - 1:02.07 for 15th.

Disappointed, Haddock re-evaluated her plans. The goal is to play basketball and run track at an NCAA Division II school, such as Rollins College in Winter Park. Instead of AAU ball in Orlando, she joined a new club, the Citrus Rim Rockers, so she can continue to play while focusing on track. She stopped playing volleyball this fall to concentrate on cross country. "Running cross country has helped me," Haddock said. "Even though I'm not breaking school records, I'm still improving."

Haddock's progress helped the Panthers take fourth at state.

"Tara is an asset to any team," Lecanto track coach Freddie Bullock said. "Because of her work ethic, she is tremendous athlete with a lot of potential."

Haddock is being pushed on the track by Citrus transfer Kelly King, a senior who runs the same events as Haddock - the 4x400 4x800 and 400 dash.

"I hate to lose, but if I have to, I'd rather have her beat me than someone else," Haddock said.

King feels the same. "I've gotten better because of her."

Both hope to break the school's 400 mark. Haddock has placed second in two meets this season, losing once to King. "Don't let them fool you," Bullock said. "Neither one likes losing."

[Last modified March 23, 2005, 00:55:18]