Bullard knows success

May 14, 2008 01:11 am

— Brittany Bullard is no stranger to success in the athletic arena.
The Logansport senior has advanced to the state finals level in gymnastics three times and in the pole vault event of track and field two times.
Bullard has one more chance to advance to the state finals next week if she can finish in the top three in the pole vault at the Bremen Regional, where she is the defending champion.
Earlier this week Bullard, the two-time defending sectional champion in the pole vault, finished runner-up in the Madison-Grant Sectional with a vault of 10’3”, which was her best mark of the season. She tied Western’s Nikki McCracken for the highest mark but finished second due to having more misses.
Bullard’s best vault ever was 11’3” at last year’s state finals for an eighth-place finish, which was her best finish in a state finals.
Bullard is set to attend Illinois State University on a track and field scholarship.
Q. Of the sports that you play, which is your favorite? Why?
A. My favorite sport is track for several reasons. I have had a lot of success in track so that makes it a favorite, and the atmosphere of our track team is very family-like and encouraging which I find enjoyable. I’ve even got to run in a few relays with my sister and that was fun.
Q. How did you first get started in sports? At what age?
A. I started in gymnastics when I was 3 years old.
Q. Do you have any family members that played sports?
A. To be honest, I can’t think of a family member that doesn’t play sports. My dad played football at Purdue and my mom was a good tennis player in high school. My siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and even great-grandparents have all played sports!
Q. Have you ever played a sport that you were not successful at?
A. I tried softball when I was younger and I wasn’t very good. I am sure there are other sports I wouldn’t be good at.
Q. How do you feel you’ve improved as an athlete since you first started playing?
A. I feel that I have improved as an overall competitor since I am stronger mentally than when I entered high school. I compete better now in pressure situations.
Q. What kind of person would your teammates say you are?
A. They would say I am dedicated and very intense about what I want to accomplish.
Q. Who do you try to emulate in your life? Why?
A. Definitely my parents. They each have characteristics that I admire and try to model. My mom is a wonderful person who is very energetic, supportive and gives great advice. My dad is hard working and determined.
Q. What experiences have you had in sports that have made you the athlete you are today?
A. The many years I spent training for and competing in gymnastics definitely made me the athlete I am today. I’ve been in a lot of high-pressure situations in high school and feel my previous training is what helped me to rise to the occasion and be a tough competitor.
Q. What is something that not everyone knows about you.
A. I am going to Spain this summer for a five-week intensive study abroad program.
Q. What is your favorite memory of playing sports at your school?
A. I have so many fond memories that I will always cherish of days spent with my soccer, gymnastics and track teammates. One individual memory that sticks out is when the state meet official put that medal around my neck last year. It was my fifth state meet and I had never before left a state meet with any hardware.
Q. What are your goals for your future? Do you plan to go to college?
A. I will be attending Illinois State University next year where I will pole vault for the Redbirds, major in nursing and minor in Spanish.
Next week: Read about the accomplishments of an outstanding Loganland athlete.

Photos

Logansport senior Brittany Bullard is a two-time state qualifier in the pole vault event. She finished runner-up in the Madison-Grant Sectional earlier this week and will compete in the Bremen Regional next week.