In class four Sarah Peoples has been one of the most dominate long sprinters in the state for a number of years now. She is a common sight on DeSoto high schools relays as their anchor leg. The anchor leg, is the last slot on each relay usually reserved for the fastest or toughest kid on the squad. Each season she has battled MICDS and Parkway Central for all state spots.
Coach Frank what were your first impressions of Sarah when you first met her?
I noticed that she was loud, had fun with her friends, but mostly I noticed she was a fierce competitor.
When did you know she could be truly great?
8th grade conference track meet. I watched her lose to a rival in the 100m and tears swell up in her eyes. She then returned to dominate the 400m leaving no doubt. Later she replicated that effort in 200m. Showed true grit to come back after a tough loss and win 2 titles.
When did Sarah make her biggest breakthrough?
Freshmen year at state when our team was sputtering and struggling to find its way (didn't point 4 x 800, and didn't qualify 4 x 200 for first time in 4 years), Sarah goes out and PR'd in the 400m dash to settle the storm. We went on to finish 3rd in the 4 x 400m running a new school record over the weekend.
How does her weekly training look?
The past two seasons Sarah has trained with our 100, 200, and 400 group. This group is centered around 400m training. Some workouts include 450 repeats, 200s, Ladders, base 400s, 30m fly, 30m accelerations, Hills, 250s and 120s and 150s later in the season. This season we are adjusting her training in attempt to better utilize her natural talents for the 400 and possible extending back out to the 800m.
Is Sarah a year-round track girl? Does she have other talents in addition to track & field?
She is not. She is 3 sports between cross country, basketball and track. She hasn't up to this point got involved in summer track either.
What do you think makes Sarah great as an athlete?
Will to win! Great effort in practice attacks lactate workouts.
Sarah's
Sarah what made you decide to do track and field?
I decided to do track in junior high because I have always liked running around when I was little and it was an opportunity to spend time with my friends and have fun.
When did you know you could do something special?
Once I got into high school i had become very successful and realized that I had something to offer to my competition. I was running alongside athletes that I had looked up to and it was an amazing feeling.
How has your training been in the offseason both summer and winter?
During the summer I build my endurance and put on miles for cross country in the fall and during the winter I play basketball to relax and have fun and towards the start of the season I start to weight lift and go on light runs.
What are your goals for this upcoming season and future in the sport of track and field?
My goals for this upcoming season are to beat our school record for the 400 meter dash and to improve upon my past successes and become a better athlete and leader. My future in the sport is undecided because I have had a couple offers but haven't decided if I want to take my career further onto college.