Shannon Harding was among the Rochelle Township High School track and field athletes who attended fall contact days during September and October in order to stay prepared and train for the upcoming season. As Harding works toward beginning her junior season with the Lady Hubs, she’ll be hoping to step up in the varsity team’s sprint relays and jumping groups.

Harding competed in both the 100 and 200-meter dash events during the 2019 outdoor season, setting personal-best times of 15.53 and 32.24 seconds, respectively. Harding also ran the 400 and 800-meter relay races, helping Rochelle’s varsity team to fifth and fourth place in the respective events. Harding will look to run fast and jump long for the Lady Hubs in 2021.

“I believe I performed well during my freshman year because I had experience running track and field in the past,” Harding said. “I want to use those skills I’ve learned to do well in not only my freshman year, but other years as well. I thought I ran the relays well and performed well in the long jump. I want to get faster for the relays and go further in the long jump next season.”

Harding had been primed to resume her roles in the sprint relays and long jump during her sophomore season, but COVID-19 had other plans. Harding and her teammates were devastated to learn their season would be canceled because of the virus. Harding was even more disappointed to not have a chance to compete with her senior teammates. However, Harding said the fall contact days allowed her to stay fresh and work toward next year.

“I was really excited to start my sophomore year,” Harding said. “I didn’t see many of my teammates during quarantine and it made me very upset. I missed all of my coaches and friends, but I stayed active when we had the chance to restart and work together during contact days. What I enjoy most about track is building relationships with my teammates and watching the 400-meter relays, which are my favorite races to do and watch.”