As the bright lights of John Burroughs High School’s track shine down on the Panthers, one of Poly’s most crucial athletes paces herself on the red runway, concentrating before her first jump. As the marker signals the runway is clear, junior Catherine McFarlane dashes towards the sand pit with long, elegant strides. She powerfully pushes against the ground as she jumps, floating in the air.
She lands in the sand as she eagerly glances at the chief judge of the Prep League Track Meet. McFarlane jumped a staggering 17’1.5” ft., less than six inches shy of the Poly girls’ long jump record.
Although McFarlane only began participating in track and field as a freshman, she has become one of the most decisive track and field athletes in the San Gabriel Valley. The reigning Prep League triple jump champion and Most Valuable Player for Poly’s track and field girls team competes in the long jump, triple jump, 300-meter hurdles, 100-meter, 200-meter and the 4×100-meter relay.
Track and field coach Jamie Bell said, “Catherine is a gift to track and field. She was born with God-given talent and makes it look so effortless when she runs or jumps. She is a very competitive, dedicated athlete, and it’s such a joy to watch her compete.”
This season, McFarlane has set personal records in both the long jump (17’ 1.5”) and triple jump — an event in which athletes try to travel as far as possible in three consecutive jumps — (35’ 9.5”), and is on track to take the crown in both events at this year’s Prep League Finals Meet. She also hopes to be recognized as a First Team All-CIF Southern Section athlete. Last season, she jumped her way to the CIF Southern Section Division Four Triple Jump and Long Jump Prelims, the only athlete on the Poly girls track and field team to do so.
“Catherine is not only an amazing athlete but also an incredibly thoughtful and dedicated teammate,” shared junior Mariana Gomez, a hurdler on the team. “She shows up consistently to practice and meets ready to give 100% of her energy. Whether Catherine is running the 4×100 or jumping, she always exceeds the competition.”
McFarlane’s work ethic and athleticism give her team an upper hand at the track and field meets. A fierce competitor, she hopes to continue seeing improvements in her jump distances as the Panthers begin to close out their season.
A humble, passionate athlete, McFarlane gives credit to her parents for their never-ending support and constant cheering, whether her track meets are five minutes away or hours away.
McFarlane competes in six different events, which is a feat in itself. With her speed, explosiveness and commitment, McFarlane is one of the most versatile athletes in the entire program. As the season comes to an end, McFarlane will continue to glide her way to the finish line as she continues to consistently set new personal bests and win more and more events for the Panthers.