Primetime Preps: Katie Nishimura
Track
By Antonio R. Harvey -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 a.m. PDT Thursday, May 2, 2002
When Katie Nishimura was accepted to Harvard, it came as no
surprise to Bella Vista's administrators.
"Katie is in that caliber," Bella Vista counselor Peggy
Wilcox said. "She takes advanced classes, participates in
community service, and is on the track and field team. Those are the
things Harvard is looking for."
Nishimura has a 4.3 grade-point average and is a member of the
National Honor Society, the California Scholarship Federation and
numerous academic clubs at Bella Vista.
The idea of attending an Ivy League school fits Nishimura's plans
perfectly.
"It's a good place to start my career," she said.
"I wanted to go there because I knew I would have a lot of
opportunities. I'm really looking forward to residing on the East
Coast."
Nishimura's academic prowess can branch off in many directions.
She is interested in biology, mathematics, physical therapy and
graphic design, though she hasn't decided what major to pursue.
"I kind of have an interest in everything," Nishimura
said. "All I want is a major that will have plenty of
options."
Free-falling
Nishimura has transferred her gymnastics training to pole vault.
She recorded the state's fourth-best mark this season -- 12 feet --
at the Arcadia Invitational on April 13. Nishimura said her parents
suggested she take up the sport.
"(They) knew someone in gymnastics who switched to the pole
vault and did quite well," she said. "They asked me to try
it, and now I love it. It's so fun to do."
Nishimura said pole vaulting is similar to gymnastics.
"The takeoff, body awareness and the flipping through the
air are all connected," the 4-foot-10 Nishimura said. "The
difference is that in gymnastics you want to land on your feet, but
in the pole vault you want to land on your back."
How does this work?
Nishimura credits her success in the pole vault to assistant
coach Clay Taft.
"He has invented all sorts of gadgets to help me with my
technique," Nishimura said. "He made rope swings, pulleys,
chin-up bars and slide boxes. We are always joking about using these
things to join the circus. I'm so thankful I met Coach Taft. He's
very dedicated, and he has great enthusiasm."
