Article Contributed on: 5/22/2009 2:26:29 PM
On the track field, recent Conifer High School grad
Emily Blok has captured state titles in the 100-, 200- and 400-meter runs and has broken seven school records.
Off the field, "She is an amazing person," said
Nancy Kacz, varsity track coach for Conifer High School. "She's so driven at whatever she does."
Most recently, Blok won the 100- and 200-meter races and placed second in the 400 at the 4A state track and field meet at Jeffco Stadium on May 15 and 16.
Blok will head to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, on a track and field scholarship and to pursue her dream of becoming a physical therapist.
"I've always liked helping people; I'm a people person," she said.
When Blok injured her shoulder during her freshman year, her subsequent physical therapy piqued her interest in the career path.
"I realized the impact (physical therapy) has on a variety of people, and how it can make a dramatic difference in helping people feel better," Blok said.
Blok's desire to help others is apparent in her treatment of new members of the track team, Kacz said.
"She's taken the younger kids on the track team under her wing," she said. "She told them how to hand off the relay baton, what to eat before the meet, what to bring ... everything to make them feel prepared. They absolutely look up to her."
Looking back at her high school career, Blok said she is proud of her track accomplishments, but more importantly, she is proud to leave a positive impression on her peers.
"My teammates have told me I'm a role model, and it's really important that I am leaving as a kind of leader that boys and girls look up to," she said.
In addition to track and field, Blok played volleyball, was in All-State band and plays the saxophone, drums and clarinet; and was president of the Athletic Council.
She said she is looking forward to growing as an athlete with help from the coaches at UNLV, meeting new people and of course, the change of scenery that is inherent with starting college.
"Conifer and Las Vegas are just a
little different," she said with a laugh.
Blok is the daughter of
Sylvia and
Gary Blok, of Morrison. Her sister,
Sarah, is a junior at Fort Lewis College.