WOOD RIVER - Gina Truax, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High School, is being recognized for track and field after a record-setting career, and she said she hopes to “finish off strong and get a state qualifying time” as her high school career continues.
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Truax, who recently competed at a meet in Wood River, said hurdles remain central to her identity as an athlete and as a person.
“The hurdles are still my favorite event," she said. "Hurdle races definitely define who I am and what I do,” she said.
She has participated in track since sixth grade and said she has been running since she was age 6.
“I love running, and I love hurdling,” Truax said.
Truax credited those around her for support.
“I’d like to thank my parents and my teammates for dealing with me and helping me at my worst,” she said.
Her head girls' track and field coach is Russ Colona at East Alton-Wood River. Truax credited Colona and her other coaches for helping bring her to the status she has attained at East Alton-Wood River.
She said her experiences in high school sports have shaped her perspective.
“My successes and my failures have kept me humble,” Truax said. “I know what it’s like to feel at the top, and I know what it’s like to fall right back down. It’s helped me stay consistent.”
Truax said she plans to continue competing in college and has signed for Division III NCAA track and field at Illinois College.
“I am very excited about going to Illinois College," she said. "I love my coaches there - they are awesome. I am excited to spend years with them and to compete and learn even more in college,” she said.
In the classroom, Truax said she has been on the high honor roll throughout high school and has a 4.405 GPA.
Truax said she plans to complete a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and hopes to return to school later for astrophysics or radiological sciences.
Outside of track, Truax said she participates in cross country in the fall and is in band year-round. She also listed reading as an interest.
