March will be a huge month for athlete and education studentTaneilleCrase.
With competitions every weekend until April, it will be a good test to see how her rehabilitated hamstring fares, and her ability to balance athletic life with student life.
The 19-year-old credits the Griffith Sports College with helping her to manage her study and sporting commitments.
After tearing her hamstring in early 2013 she went on to compete in the University Games in Brisbane in September, placing fourth in the 100m hurdles and third in the 100m sprint.
“I was pretty happy with my performance at University Games considering my injury earlier that year but I did run personal bests for the 100m and 100m hurdles,’’ the second-year student said.
“I was shocked when I saw my times for both events, as it was my first competition of the season. Although I was happy with my performances, I knew there was a lot more room for improvement.”
Taneille will compete in Sydney for the NSW Open State Championships on March 1,2 and next weekend in Brisbane for the QLD Open State Championships. She will then race in another Athletics Australia tour meet in Brisbane (March 29) before heading off to Melbourne for the 92nd Australian Athletics Championships (April 3-6).
Managing sport and study
“The Griffith Sports College made my first year of university a whole lot easier,’’ she said.
“It is very challenging to compete on a weekly basis as well as continue with my studies and training.Like most other university students, I also have a casual job as an athletics coach.
“The Sports College is a great program that supports all up-and-coming athletes to manage their studies but also continue with their sporting dreams.”
Love of education
As well as her love for athletics, Taneille has always had a passion for education.
“Ever since primary schoolI wanted to be the teacher that took the students out to the oval for sporting activities.
“Education is such an important part of our lives and I thought that I could assist children in achieving their dreams and personal aspirations.
“Health and physical education was my favourite subject throughout my schooling years and with all my experience in the sporting field I feel like I have a lot to bring to the students.
“After graduation, I would like to be employedas a secondary health and physical education teacher.”
For the moment though, Taneille has her sights firmly set on the Australian Athletics Championships in April.