Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Maxcine "Beast" Foster Wins Big East Title (400m)

I have an opportunity to share the amazing journey of Senior Maxcine Foster better known as "Beast".
Three years ago Max sustained a severe hamstring pull which sidelined her for the entire outdoor season. We were able to redshirt her in order regain a year of eligibility. The following year, Maxcine had a phenomenal indoor season that culminated in a ECAC Championship and a season's best 400m (53.72) However, her ongoing isues with her hamstrings continued. At the Outdoor Metropolitan Championships, she strained her hamstring and had to sit out the 2007 Outdoor season. Maxcine struggled to overcome her hamstring issues which in turn had an affect on her mentally. Maxcine admits to doubting herself and her ability to complete an entire outdoor season as she would always face what seemed like a host of insurmountable obstacles. We began to rehab jointly with STJ's training staff and Dr. Gill Chimes in Greenwhich, Ct for a few months. After months of therapy Maxcine showed glimpses of her form to only be met with reoccuring hamstring issues.
The opportunity that has been presented to me as an assistant coach to prepare her physically & mentally. Although she has had many days & nights of constant tears, I knew in my heart that her struggles would end up in victory for her. With a limited amount of training due to the weakness/soreness in her hamstring we believed that her success would come from her heart. Maxcine wanted to win the Big East Championship more than her peers could imagine. In fact, after the semi final at the BE Championships, Maxcine approached me and said, "Coach don't worry, I will WIN"....This was after she failed to win her heat which would have guaranteed an automatic qualifier and a more preffered lane. I had to trust that she was going to deliver as she promised....
We all sat together in the stands as a TEAM (STJ) and cheering Maxcine to victory. She ran a phenomenal race and took over the lead in the last 50 meters of the race. She WON as she promised.....We are extremem;y proud of her, and we are excited to see what will happen at the Regional Meet in three weeks. Maxcine currently ranks 7th in the East region where the top 5 advance to NCAA's. Again, Max said, "Coach, I will make it to Nationals". Here again another promise......in three weeks I believe she will be on her way to the NCAA Championships representing St Johns University.
Congratulations Maxcine. We wish Maxcine well and it has been a great journey with her!!!
Coach Harrison

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