Sophomore Heads to Stanford Invitational

March 31, 2017

Sophomore Rivers Sheehan performs a triple jump at last year’s Russell Cup. (©Bobby Curtis for Cate School)

Rivers Sheehan ’19 came to Cate with experience in track and field. The North Carolina native arrived on the Mesa with a background in pole vaulting and was hoping to continue her work in that event as a Ram. According to Track and Field Head Coach Kyle Mason, a scheduling conflict took Sheehan away from the pole vault pit during her first day of track practice. That day instead, Sheehan and her coaches decided to give the triple jump a try.

Good call.

On March 31 and April 1, Sheehan will represent Cate at the prestigious Stanford Invitational High School Track and Field Meet. First held in 1975, the Stanford Invitational brings together high school students from around the country to compete in Northern California. Only 30 student-athletes are accepted for each event, and when Sheehan found out she was going, it was pure elation. “I found out with [Kyle] Mason last week; we were waiting by the computer! I entered my name in for consideration and was really excited when they released the top 30 entries, and I was on the list! I can’t wait to represent Cate in Northern California,” said Sheehan. She will enter as entrant #20 in the competition.

Sheehan said that her head coach, as well as jumping coach Jeff Barton, have been there for her throughout her time at Cate. “My coaches have been a huge part of my success so far. Mr. Barton is always there to help me with the details of my jumps, and he’s helped me a lot with learning how to be focused and prepared while I wait to jump,” she said of the longtime coach and English teacher.

“’Mase’ has made a huge impact on me both athletically and as a person. He worked with me all winter to help increase my speed, and he’s always encouraging me in everything I do. They’re a huge part of why I love track and why I’ve been able to improve so quickly,” noted Sheehan of head coach Kyle Mason.

Sheehan has a few goals and plans for the weekend. “It’ll be fun to compete against and get to know girls from all over. I’m hoping for a PR on my jumps,” she said. Ever the sports fan, Sheehan said she will be keeping an eye on her beloved North Carolina Tar Heels as they compete in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four.

Luckily for her, tipoff for the basketball game and start time for her event shouldn’t overlap. Although, even if they did, Sheehan will probably end up ok.

Her last scheduling conflict turned out just fine.