TF2K22: Bates Bests

Despite a COVID-19 scare around the country that affected the sports world as well as our every day lives, the Wolverine Invitational occured Jan. 8 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Central Michigan was slated to attend but had to pull out, due to COVID-19 protocols. Eastern Michigan, Bowling Green and a few distance runners from Toledo showed up to compete against Michigan. One of the highlights of the meet was Michigan freshman BreeAna Bates.

In her first meet, Bates was victorious in the 60 meters and 200 meters. Her 60 meters time of 7.51 in the final is currently the seventh fastest time for a freshman in the NCAA this season. It's also tied for the 24th overall fastest time in the NCAA.

Her debut in the 200 meters has her with the 13th fastest time in the NCAA at 24.53. That is the fourth fastest time for freshmen. We had a chance to do an interview with the young sprinter after her strong start.

Winners Only: That was your first collegiate meet correct?

BreeAna Bates: Yes.

What kind of feelings did you have last night and right before the meet?

I was pretty nervous, first meet jitters, but I trusted my training and the work I’ve put in since the beginning of fall and let that carry me through.

With you being a Michigan born person, is there a little extra pride for you to compete for your school or is it about the same as anyone else?

It definitely feels good being able to represent my school in that way and going to this university is an achievement in itself, so being able to run and represent it from an athletic standpoint is a great feeling.

It seems like these days athletes have a new opponent and that is COVID-19. How has the threat of the virus changed how you prepare for competition? How are you able to remain your best throughout all of the uncertainties?

We stick to protocols and stay aware of how we’re feeling before going to practice to try and keep everyone as safe and healthy as possible. I take everything day by day to my best ability

What were your thoughts going to the start line for your first race?

I just think back to my training and tell myself to stay focused and power through the race.

Finally what are your final goals for both the indoor and outdoor season as an individual?

I really want to try and make it to [the Big Ten championship meet] and hopefully break a few records in my events.

Other Wolverines shined at the home meet. Senior Amanda Schaare won the shot put with a throw of 16.19. It was her first time winning at the Wolverine Invitational since 2020 when she captured her first collegiate victory in only her second meet.

Junior Ameia Wilson won the long jump competition at 5.86. This was just the second long jump win of her career at Michigan. Senior Jessica Mercier won with a mark of 4.13 in the pole vault competition. This also was her second career win in the event. She won for the first time during last season when she took the Big Ten indoor championship.

Aurora Rynda gave an impressive performance in the 600 meters. She raced to a meet record time of 1:29.35. Rynda is a decorated runner in the Big Ten. She won last season's 800 meters title during the Big Ten Outdoor Championships. During indoor season in 2020 she won the 600 meters and was a member of the Distance Medley Relay at the Big Ten championship meet. It was her second straight win as she captured the 600 meters title as a freshman in 2019.