Ashley Menzies (Beverly Hills)
90210 Star Heads to Stanford!!

Southern Section
December 2006  - Doug Speck

A top dash returnee in the Southern Section for the coming spring track season is Beverly Hills senior Ashley Menzies, who had a fine junior year.  She was third in the Seeded Section of the Arcadia Invitational over 400m at 55.98, and was third in the Southern Section Division II 400 finals and a part of placing 49.35 and 3:57.05 relay teams from that meet.  She ranks among the top fifteen one lappers in the state for the coming season.  A busy young lady, she has found time for some good academic efforts, and will pursue her career as an athlete and student at Stanford University next Fall.  She took some time out from soccer season this winter to answer a couple of questions for us, and looks ready for a great spring once again! 

1) Tell us briefly about your track and field successes for the last couple of years?
--I was Ocean League champion in the 200, and 400 for three consecutive years. I am # 3 on the all time list at Beverly Hills High in the 200 & 400. I ran a personal best of 55.98 in the 400 at Arcadia. I made it to the C.I.F. Division 2 Finals the past two years.

2) You came out with some super early season dual clocking’ s last year, were you surprised when you ran as fast as early as you did in the 400?
--I was very surprised. I was expecting to run around a 57 because I had just come out of soccer season. I did not think my body was in the shape necessary to run a fast 400. Fortunately, my times proved me wrong.

3) What other sports do you take part in and how have you done in those activities?
--I am a starting defender on the Varsity Soccer team. I’ve done quite well in soccer, earning best defensive player my freshman year (frosh-soph team) and most improved player my sophomore year (Varsity team). My team has made it to CIF the past 3 years, and we hope to continue this tradition.

4) Any other sports you took part in while growing up?
--I played basketball, softball, and I did ballet (if you consider it a sport haha).

5) Understand you have a 4.1 GPA--how much trouble has that been with pretty intensive athletic program also?
--I admit that it has been very difficult to balance a rigorous academic schedule and an intensive athletic program, but good time management makes the situation easier. There are times where I do not get enough sleep, but it is because I want to excel academically and athletically.

6) Tell us a bit about your college choice and how you feel about it?
--I believe Stanford is an excellent school to pursue my academic and athletic career. It is one of the few schools that offer’s a great education along with PAC-10 competition. It has a premier track and field program with great coaches and athletes. I am very excited about attending Stanford in the fall.

7) After you promise us no soccer injuries before the spring, what are some of your goals for the coming track season?
--Ok, I promise you no soccer injuries. My main goal is to break the school record in the 400 (54.5). I’d like to win league in the 200, and 400. I would like to run a 12 flat in the 100 and a 24.5 in the 200. I’d also like to lead the 4 by 4 team far in CIF. And I want to make it to state in the 400.

8) What part of your running do you feel you need to work on during your senior track season when you look back at your competition against some of the other top athletes in the state as a junior?
--I believe I really need to work on my speed. Lowering my 100 time will definitely help my 200 and 400.

9) What kind of workouts do you think help you most for the 400 meter event-combination of a favorite or two and what get’s you in shape to do the event fastest?
--My sprint coach gives us a drill where we run seven 100s and jog 50 meters in between each 100. This really helps my 200 and 400. Running hills with my Dad has helped with my strength.

10) What advice would you have for an athlete new to the sport of track and field who has had suggested to them that they consider the 200-400 or wishes to give those events a try?
--I believe the 400 is one of the toughest races in track. One has to be willing to work hard and display dedication to succeed in these events. If you’re hard-working, dedicated, and know how to have fun, you’ll have a great experience running the 200 and 400.