ATHLETE OF THE WEEK : Burnham’s Goals Suited to Fast Lane

Although Angela Burnham turned in the nation’s fastest high school time in the 100-meter dash at the Alemany/Northridge Relays on Saturday, the Rio Mesa junior has yet to meet any of her goals.

“She wants to go undefeated in high school competition, win the 100 and 200 at the state meet and qualify for the Olympic Trials in both sprints,” Rio Mesa Coach Brian FitzGerald said. “She’s very determined to accomplish all those things.”

The Olympic Trials qualifying times are 11.60 in the 100 and 23.59 in the 200.

Burnham ran 11.53 in the 100 on Saturday at Cal State Northridge, but the time was wind-aided, disallowing it as a qualifying mark. She did, however, run a legitimate 24.16 in the 200, the fastest high school time in the state this year.

“I think I’ll run much faster before the season is over,” Burnham said. “It’s important that I meet my goals.”

Much of Burnham’s desire to succeed arose from the ashes of last year’s disappointment when she strained her right hamstring at the Southern Section championships. Because of the injury she was unable to defend her state 100-meter title.

“That was the only time I’ve ever seen her cry,” FitzGerald said. “She doesn’t show her emotions very often, but she cried then.

“It wasn’t because of the pain of the injury. It was because she felt like something had been taken from her.”

Burnham, who has personal bests of 11.77 in the 100 and 24.08 in the 200, agreed.

“I felt like I wasted a whole season,” she said. “I didn’t realize before that injuries were a part of racing.

“Now I take track much more seriously. I appreciate it much more.”

FitzGerald has noticed the change this season.

“She’s always been very coachable,” he said. “She’s not a prima donna. But she’s doing more this year. She’s working harder.”

Weight training is an added facet of Burnham’s workout regimen. She lifts three times a week and it is paying off.

“I feel stronger in the races,” she said. “On Saturday, I really felt strong.”

Despite her increased strength, she has put on little extra weight. Burnham, 16, carries 109 pounds on her 5-5 1/2 frame.

“She’s still not very muscular,” FitzGerald said. “She’s like a greyhound, lean and fast.”

And hungry to improve.