MarLee Serrano might be one of the more talented athletes in the state of Texas. She has won several UIL medals from the state meet over the last two years. This season, she competed in five individual events in Austin. Yes, I did say five individual events. The Sinton HS senior almost did the heptathlon in one day.
Being able to do that many events is one thing, but to be good enough to compete at the highest level in one of the biggest classes, in the best track and field state in the nation is really saying something. Serrano holds seven school records and of course five of them are the individual events she competed in at the state meet. She has the school records in the 100m, 200m, 400 m, long jump, and the triple jump. The other two are as a member of the 800m relay and the 1600m relay.
We did a Q&A with Serrano. Check it out and see what she has in common with Jesus!
TXMS - Whose decisions was it to compete at state in 5 events?
It was mine. Since this was my senior year i wanted to make the best out of it and i think i did.
TXMS - When did you realize you had a realistic opportunity to qualify in each event?
My mom and I spend tons of time on the internet constantly looking at times and trying to map out the next meet. I would say after area i really saw my real placements with everyone.
TXMS - What was the preparation like days leading up to state?
Meals were very nutritious, very high in carbs, and healthy. Sleep was pretty routine. I try to keep the same sleep schedule all throughout the season which is to be in bed by 9:30 and up by 7:45. Since I was the only athlete competing I had no practice partner, so I asked my brother to come out and practice with me and he did. He's great!
TXMS - So, at State, you get things started with your two field events. How big of an advantage is it having those two events to get you warmed up for the rest of the meet before you even hit the track?
Even though I jumped 12 times, most people would think that it would affect me and cause me not to perform at my best but i think it helped because i am very tight and it takes a while to get warm.
TXMS - With the twelve jumps on the legs from the long jump and triple jump, what were some of the things you had to do to get them fresh for the running events?
With the help of my family and boyfriend they took me back to their hotel and made sure that i rested well and got some fluids and food into me before hitting the track again.
TXMS - You went from not qualifying for state in the long jump to getting third place. Was was the feeling like after that?
I never thought that i would medal in that because those girls can jump FAR! But super excited to able to be the 3rd best jumper in the 4A state of Texas. At region, I jumped only once and was able to break the school record that i'd been looking to get since my freshman year.
TXMS - For the 100m, this is your first time qualifying for state in the event. Were there any nerves knowing you were going against girls who are definitely sprinters?
Very nervous because I had been trying to get into this race since my freshman year and even took a break from it last year to focus on my relay. But I told myself that this was probably the last time I'd get to run it so since the beginning of the season I made sure to try and improve as much as I could every single week
TXMS - Your 100m improvements this season were undoubtedly substantial. What were some of the things you and your coaches did to get those improvements?
Having coaches that are so willing to help and try new techniques with me for hours on end is what helped a lot. They never gave up on me and always wanted the best for me. In the middle of the season, there was a gap in the schedule and my coach saw an opportunity to host a mock meet with about 4 surrounding schools. Since it was not a real meet I ran with the JV boys (I won by the way, lol :) that helped with my start and finish because those boys were fast.. Just not fast enough
TXMS - How did you feel about getting that 4th place performance behind some of the biggest names in 4A?
As a competitor I am hurt that I ran my best time ever and was not about to get a medal but the experience and time is still just as great. They helped me achieve my last and final goal as a senior. To hold the 100m dash record alone. My freshman year I perfectly tied the 30+ year record with a 11.75, I never was able to touch that time again until this year.
TXMS - The next event on the track for you was the 400m. You placed 2nd your junior year, what were your thoughts and feelings going into this race?
I knew that it was going to be tough because I knew I had to run my race, yes they would be out there in front ready to catch at the gun but that wasn't what I was supposed to do. I knew I had to keep my pace and reignite when I was ready. My goal was gold but i knew I had to run my very best race but that just wasn't enough.
TXMS - This year, you were one place lower than the previous, but you ran almost a full second PR. If I told you before the race that you would not win or get 2nd, but you would as fast as you did, what would you have said?
I would have still been proud of my performance because no I did not move up in medal rankings but I did run the best time ever and that's all I could ask for. A gold medal would have been nice but it's okay. But I would be like dang what are those girls eating so maybe I could get some and be just as fast as them lol.
TXMS - Your final race was the 200m, were there any nerves or were you relieved that it was the final race of a long competitive weekend at the highest level?
I believe that my mom takes all my nerves away.
What happened last year in the 200? you qualified for State, why didn't you compete in it?
After running the 400 I was so tired and didn't have enough energy to run the 200 and then another 400 on my mile relay. I decided to rest up and run my hardest for my team. I had a senior on my team and two other girls on the relay and knew that they'd never have another opportunity to do this. I wanted them to have a state medal also, we placed third.
TXMS - The 200m is an event that you have qualified for dating back to your sophomore season, how did you feel finally getting a medal and earning it in such a fast time?
My sophomore year when I got 5th I told my mom and coaches that the next time I came here I wasn't leaving without a medal. My junior year I left with two medals. This year in the 200, It was great, I didn't even know my time till my mom told me at the award tent. I was shocked!
TXMS - Which event is your favorite?
It's just like how I tell my siblings. I love you all. I can't pick one because I love them all, just some in different ways.
TXMS - What made you select Angelo State to continue your student-athletic career?
There are so many great opportunities as an athlete and as a student. They offer so many great programs, two of which I am very interested in. One being the physical therapy program they have , it was an easy choice but when they also told me they'd offer a full ride. The decision was even easier to make.
I can't wait to go up there and officially be a Rambelle!
TXMS - Who would you like to thank and give credit to for assisting you to achieve all that you have been able to in your high school career?
My family of course. My mom and granny honey have always been there for me and I know they always will. I love them with all my heart. My coaches have a big part too. Throughout my career I went through three coaches and each of them have left their impact on me. They each challenged me to try new things and with that I learned to love each event.
-FUN QUESTIONS-
TXMS - If you weren't a successful track star, what would you be doing?
I also play volleyball so maybe I'd work on that. No! I'd open a doggie day care. I love dogs. Especially my dog, Bolt. Yes I named him after Usain Bolt.
TXMS - Do you have any pre-race superstitions or rituals?
Yes just a few. If I had a great meet the week before i'll make sure to wash my whole uniform together which includes my tights socks hair tie and sports bra.
TXMS - What is on your track meet playlist?
Most athletes like to "get in the zone" but that just distracts me and it will prompt me to dance around and sing at the top of my lungs. I like to warm up in silence and get race ready.
TXMS - If you could pack up and move anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Thats a hard one I love traveling but one place i've always wanted to go would be Africa. The land and the animals are so beautiful. The experience would be incredible and a once and a lifetime thing. I hope my running career will take me there.
TXMS - What is your favorite holiday and why?
That question is easy because I am a Christmas baby :)
TXMS - What is your favorite meal?
That's tough because I love to eat but a steak medium rare with a baked potato and fries on the side with a large glass of water. But that's my reward meal after a great meet. My top favorite would have to be my dad's home made wings and french toast. Not together of course.