Feb. 18, 2009
IOWA CITY, IA – “Two words: Future Star!” It’s about as simple of a statement as there is. These are the words of women’s Head Track Coach Layne Anderson, said with a big smile and showing a not-so-subtle confidence that he wants to instill in his young squad. When you consider he’s talking about University of Iowa freshman distance runner Betsy Flood, it proves that your first impression should be your best.
Last fall at the Hawkeye Invite, Flood’s first collegiate meet, she was one of two Iowa athletes to finish in the top five. The other? Senior all-American Racheal Marchand. If that’s not a good first impression, I don’t know what is.
Hearing Coach Anderson’s comment, Flood smirks and shakes her head dismissively. It’s a humility that she takes from her younger sister, who she describes as a dedicated humble person. Dedication is one aspect Flood admires about her teammates as well.
“Being a collegiate student-athlete, the team is a lot tighter knit than high school. It’s a really close group, and everyone is really good. There’s a lot of drive and determination.”
Flood has already shown drive and determination. In the 2008 cross country season, Flood’s best 3,000-meter time (10:41.55) ranked eighth and her best 6,000-meter time (21:37.30) ranked ninth in school history. In the 2009 indoor track season, she leads the team in the 800-meters (2:16.67). One thing that helps her stay determined and focused is the enjoyment she gets from what she does.
“I recently tried the mile and I liked it a lot. I wouldn’t mind trying to improve in the mile so I can compete later on. I’m ready to try whatever, really. I just like running a lot, which helps.”
Doing what you love, and loving what you do is rare in life, but if Coach Anderson is right about his future star, she will be doing both for quite some time.
The Bio
Name: Betsy Flood
Birthday: March 24, 1990
Year in School: Freshman
Major(s)/Minor(s): Open
Hometown: Des Moines, IA
Pre-meet rituals: Breakfast, usually Oatmeal
Hobbies/Fun Activities: Writing, singing, listening to music
Last Movie I saw and was it any good: Revolutionary Road, it was very good
Best concert I’ve ever been to: Red Hot Chili Peppers
Most embarrassing CD I own: Shania Twain, “Come on Over”