Roosevelt's Smock a True Competitor on the Track

To be the best, you have to beat the best.

And if you know Cara Smock, that is exactly what she intends to do.

The Wyandotte senior and long-distance runner plans to better her times as she faces tougher competition throughout the season. She runs the one-mile and two-mile races for the Bears and currently holds the school record for the two-mile at 11:27.  She was a state qualifier last year.

"Cara is a premier athlete and leader on our team," Roosevelt girls track coach Kristine Powers said. "So far she has led our team in distance events, never losing in the mile or two mile yet. She is a fun, carefree athlete, but when she competes, she turns into one of the toughest competitors around. She fights in every race and gives everything she has. Her strengths are the mile and two mile, but she also runs the 800-meter and the 4x800 relay to help the team."

Smock's best times in the early season are 5:41 for the mile and 12:20 for the 3,200-meter, but both Powers and Smock know it's just a matter of time before those times are bested.

"When she lost the 800-meter against Woodhaven, the first words out of her mouth were 'I'm sorry,'" Powers said. "It broke my heart to hear the pressure she puts on herself, but it shows how badly she wants to win each and every race. She is a true competitor and gives her everything in every race. That makes me very proud of her."

Take Five with Cara Smock

1. Who is your favorite teacher at Roosevelt and why?

My favorite teacher is Mr. Durant because he succeeds at being a cool guy and a good teacher.

2. Do you have any premeet superstitions?

Before a meet, I have to change my socks into a fresh pair and blow my nose.

3. Who is your favorite professional athlete and why?

My favorite professional athlete is Kara Goucher because she does marathons, which is what I want to do in the future. And I think it's cool she has the same name as me.

4. Where is your favorite place to hangout?

My favorite place to hangout is anywhere but my house.

5. What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate, I plan on going to Eastern to study exercise science and run on their cross country and track team.