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has a very special meaning for one Cardinal "mom"
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SMU Qualifiers
Amanda Weinmann Shot put Autumn Valk 55 hurdles Megan Mason High jump |
Have I packed everything I will need? How do I stay relaxed and not let my nerves get the best of me? What will the atmosphere be like? What will it be like competing in a national championship? Am I ready for this?
Yet, while those are just a few of the questions and concerns rattling around inside the SMU senior's head, they are the least of her worries as she completes preparations for the upcoming national meet at St. Olaf College.
Will Madison be OK while I'm gone? Did I remember to stock up on diapers? Is there enough formula?
Not the normal type of concerns for an NCAA national qualifier, but they are if that national qualifier is also the mother of a seven-month-old baby girl.
Which is exactly what Mason is.
"I've been lucky to have a very large support system," explained Mason, who, along with her finance Eric Habberstad, has been fortunate enough to have both sets of grandparents nearby to help out. "There's no way I could have even considered competing again this year without the generosity of both of our parents.
"Both of our parents and grandparents play a large role in Maddy's life," continued Mason. "Our mothers have watched Maddy all year while we are at school, which was an enormous help."
And with that type of help on the home front, Mason was able to once again focus on her track career.
At least try and focus.
"Having Madison has definitely changed the way Eric and I prioritize our life," Mason said. "We find that school work really doesn't get done — or even thought about getting done — until Maddy's in bed.
"And as far as track goes, Kirk and Ward (Berndt) were nice enough to agree to allow me to practice in between classes, so I could get home as soon as possible."
Despite missing her entire junior year of competition, Mason certainly hasn't missed a beat in this, her senior season, as she earned an NCAA invitation in the high jump with her season-best leap of 5-5 3/4 at the Eastbay Invitational at UW-Stevens Point.
"Megan has always boasted a ton of talent, but to accomplish what she has accomplished — with everything she has gone through in the last year — is pretty impressive," said SMU coach Kirk Nauman. "I think more than anything, the addition of Madison has really put things into perspective — there's no question she's a mom first, then a student and a track athlete."
And what an athlete.
Along with her national-qualifying mark in the high jump, Mason is also the school's record-holder in the pole vault, clearing 10-2 1/2.
And now, the SMU senior has the opportunity to strut her stuff along with the rest of the best in NCAA Division III.
"This weekend is all about having fun and enjoying being there," said Mason of her approach to her first-ever national championships. "While doing well in the competition is important — and I would love to improve my mark — it's more about the experience."
An experience Mason almost missed out on.
"I had initially thought about not competing this season, but I knew I would regret it if I didn't at least try to compete," Mason said. "Maddy definitely made me relax a lot more as far as school and track — she made me realize that while they are both important, they are not everything in life.
"Plus, Eric agreed to be at every track meet, so I wasn't missing out on entire days with Madison."
Now that's having your priorities in order.