Casey Allen only ran the 200-meter dash at three meets before earning a trip to the state meet.
For the Idabel senior, it was another milestone in a running career that began in middle school and has grown into three state qualifications in the 400 and another in the 200. Somewhere along the miles, workouts and races, Allen also learned that running could become a battle with yourself.
“Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right,” is advice that has stuck with her. Allen said it reminds her that her sport isn’t only physical. There are times when an athlete can be her own biggest competition.
Having the right people around her has made a difference. Mrs. Steaveson, who Allen calls Coach S., was her first track coach in middle school and has continued to support her throughout her running career. Teammate Cassidy Pondexter has been another constant. The two share the same drive for the sport, and when Allen wants to get in an extra run, Pondexter is usually willing to join her.
That team connection matters to Allen. Although running can look like an individual sport from the outside, she has come to see it differently.
“One of the most important lessons track has taught me is that your team is only as good as the weakest member, so always try your best,” Allen said.
Allen brings that same willingness to be involved into the rest of her time at Idabel. She is a member of National Honor Society, Student Council, FCCLA, JOM and Spanish Club and serves as Key Club treasurer.
Home is important to her, too. Much of Allen’s family lives nearby, which means the people closest to her have been able to be there throughout her athletic career. No one has been more consistent than her mom, who Allen said has never missed a meet and helped her find a love for running.
She also credits coach Sanda Gambol, coach John Harjo and coach Devon Sanders for helping her along the way. Sanders, in particular, saw something in Allen early.
She thanked him “for believing in me and seeing my potential my freshman year when no one else did.”
For Allen, those people have been part of every state qualification and every extra mile. The results may show up beside her name, but she knows she didn’t get there alone.
