Track helps Robinson find balance in life

Ashley O'Con

Making track and field a way of living rather than just a hobby, junior Renisha Robinson of the Sacramento State women’s track team was one of three Hornets to qualify for the 2010 NCAA Division I Indoor Championship.

 

Robinson has learned to balance running with academics over the past three years while continuing to set records.

 

Robinson, a graduate of Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose, started running at the age of 6. She joined a youth club called Speed City, which would be the start to her career as a track runner.

 

Her father Ronald Robinson, who was also a track runner in high school, was her inspiration as a child. After watching him in marathons and running with him at times, she knew that track was the sport she loved.

 

Junior Lea Wallace said Robinson always gives full effort, regardless of the circumstances.

 

“Renisha is a competitor,” she said. “It does not matter who she’s going up against. She’s in it to win it every single time.”

 

Robinson benefits from the one-one-one attention the coaches provide as well.

 

“Coach Scott Abbott is very flexible in a way where he can relate on a college student level,” she said. “Since he ran track in high school, he knows what it takes to be an athlete. He’s one of those coaches where instead of criticizing you he helps you to get better. I told him that if he were in college himself, he would be my best guy friend.”

 

Robinson said her commitment to track has helped her to be more organized and balanced with her life.

 

“People think we just get out there and run, but it takes a lot of hours and dedication,” she said. “It helps me keep my priorities in order like school, work, church and my family. It also helps me manage my time to get rest and focus on my future.”

 

This was the second year Robinson qualified for the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships. She said she would not have made it without her teammates’ support.

 

“Being with one of my teammates who is also like my best friend and sister Lea has helped me make it,” Robinson said. “When you have another person sharing the same dreams as you, you build up each other’s energy and go out there and do what you have to do.”

 

Teammate Brianna Nelson said Robinson’s athletic and mental abilities come into play when she sets foot on the track.

 

“Renisha’s confidence and motivation to do well has made her a successful athlete,” Nelson said. “She puts that into her work ethic and training, and her hard work always pays off.”

 

Robinson said her coaches and teammates have played a big role in her accomplishments during her track career as a Hornet. In the 2009 season, Robinson qualified for the NCAA Championship and finished fifth at the NCAA West Regional with a season-best time of 2:08.14. Indoors, she was the Big Sky Champion in the 800-meter race, running a time of 2:08.64, setting the indoor record for Sac State.

 

“My teammates push me to be the best I can and help me set specific goals in events instead of just going out there and practicing, and I have a coach who gives positive feedback and confidence to let you know you can do anything,” she said.

 

Robinson said one of her dreams is to go to the Olympics, but for now she will focus on her track career at Sac State.

 

Robinson said the most beneficial things in her life always lead back to track and field.

 

“Track is important to me because it’s a part of me and a part of my life,” she said. “It’s all I know and what I love to do. It’s kept me in shape, healthy and out of trouble. It’s taught me what hard work takes and how to be dedicated. Ever since I was little it just clicked. I enjoy it. All of the hard work in the end is worth it.”

 

Ashley O’Con can be reached at [email protected]