Winthrop's Ashely Howard is currently ranked 4th in the nation in discus
Friday, July 9, 2010 at 9:55PM By Chris McFadden
Similar to a tornado, she keeps spinning and spinning around and around until she reaches the release point, and then the discus explodes from her hand.
The discus travels further and further, seemingly breaking every Winthrop or conference record in its path.
She’s dominated the discus throw event the entire track and field season, and she’s currently ranked fourth nationally in the event.
The scary part for her opposition is the season isn’t over.
Winthrop’s Ashley Howard has left opponents in her wake, and looks to continue this supremacy at the Big South Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championship.
With the top-five ranking, Howard, a senior from Wilmington, Ohio, is in rarified air.
“It feels great to be ranked,” Howard said. “I’m happy I’m up there, but just hope I can live up to it (the ranking) when the time comes.”
Living up to expectations shouldn’t be a problem.
At the 2010 ASICS Winthrop Invitational, she broke a Big South conference and track record with a throw of 166 feet 6 inches.
The throw is the sixth longest in the country this year.
Some athletes try to take the easy way to reach a goal, but Howard is not one them.
“My success comes from hard work and dedication to the sport and my determination to become an All-American this year,” Howard said.
The desire to succeed in the event has motivated her throughout her career.
“When I came in as a freshman, my goal was always to become an All-American and prove why I was given my scholarship,” Howard said.
The Olympics are the ultimate goal for many track and field athletes. For some, it’s just a pipe dream. But Howard, on the other hand, has a real chance to represent the red, white and blue someday.
“After I graduate, I’m going to train for the Olympic trials,” she said. “I know if I work hard enough, I’ll be able to at least hit the ‘B’ standard, which is 180 feet.”
Though success on the athletic field is good, Howard knows a high-caliber performance in the classroom is just as important.
“I think I do a good job of balancing being a student and an athlete,” Howard said. “I make sure I do all my (class) work and study for my tests just as any other student.”
She has received strong support from her family, who provide enthusiasm and encouragement to do her best.
“My parents are excited about me being ranked so high,” Howard said. “They just want me to be successful in the sport I love.”
With her career coming to an end, and new challenges such as making the Olympic team emerge, Howard has few things left to accomplish at Winthrop.
“I want to accomplish all my goals I set as a freshman,” she said. “If I do that, I will be extremely happy and content with my college track career.”
