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Most seniors take high school memories with them to college, but these two seniors are not satisfied with keeping their sport in the back of their mind, like photos in a yearbook.
Senior runners Tamara Purpura and Safa Mannah have made the decision to continue track in college. They aim to become better runners by gaining the skills that college track provides.
Mannah’s top choice is UC-Davis and although track was not the deciding factor, it was still a plus for him that he got accepted. “I mainly wanted something to do and I’m pretty good at it so I figured it would keep me in shape,” Mannah said. “Also I enjoy it and it would be an easy way to make new friends.”
As for Purpura, track is her chosen path to a special school got accepted. “I wanted to run college track because I actually got recruited,” Purpura said. College track coaches started contacting Purpura after the California State Track Meet last year. “I’m going to UCLA because I got a scholarship and the coach for UCLA went to the Olympics four times for the 800 meter race,” Purpura said. “Basically the coaches have a lot of experience and know everything.” Purpura visited a few schools including UCLA where the coaches would discuss scholarship opportunities. “I’m so pumped for college track,” Purpura said. “When UCLA told me I could get a scholarship, I thought that was pretty generous. I was so excited and happy.”
The prestigious Lowell track team has motivated and prepared these seniors to take it to the next level. “I’m going to prepare for college track by staying in shape in the summer and going to their summer retreat,” Purpura said.
Mannah also plans to keep in shape over the summer by working out with his coach and possibly working out with the City College track team. “Hopefully I will learn more about how sports operate at the college level and what it takes to compete at that level,” Mannah said.
With their last season as Cardinal track runners, Mannah and Purpura are determined to achieve their best track record. “I hope to run under 50 seconds in the 400 meter dash. I also want our 4 by 400 relay team to make it to the state meet,” Mannah said.
Purpura shares a similar goal as Mannah. “I want to run well at the state meet for my senior year,” Purpura said. With inspiring motivation, these seniors will uphold the Lowell legacy and continue charging towards the finish line and past it, to UCLA and UC-Davis. |
