Youth in Focus

By Richard A. Ross

Fleet-footed farm girl

	TRR photo by Richard A. Ross April Ackerman, freshman at Sullivan West at Jeffersonville. (Click for larger image)

In one of the most poignant moments of the film Forrest Gump, young Forrest flees from some bullies. He sheds his leg braces and disappears across a field in a blaze of newly found speed. “From that moment on, whenever I went somewhere, I was running,” Gump says.

April Ackerman of Cochecton has run across fields too, namely the fields of the family farm owned by her parents, Douglas and Donna. As far back as she can remember, Ackerman said she has run from place to place on the farm, bringing in the hay, chasing the cows and doing the chores. The farm and running are two of her passions.

In seventh grade, Ackerman transferred her pasture pace to the track. After one fall season of soccer, she added cross-country to her sports schedule and the results have been nothing short of sensational. She just loves to run. Why?

	TRR photo by Richard A. Ross April goes airborne on her triple jump in a meet against Tri-Valley. (Click for larger image)

“It’s hard to explain,” Ackerman said. “I just do.” This year on varsity many of her competitors have had a good view of her back. Coach George Shakelton attributes her success to an incredible work ethic.

“She’s one of the hardest workers. She has toughness and speed,” Shakelton said. Ackerman’s only nemesis has been her nerves, especially before meets, though Shakelton said during the last two meets she seemed to be getting over it.

Coach Shakelton gives a summer running schedule to all of his cross-country runners, and he knows Ackerman will follow it. He believes Ackerman could be the top competitor in virtually any event except the 100 and 200-meter races because she does not have that quick burst of speed needed by sprinters. She is a good triple-jumper and could easily develop into a shot-putter or pole-vaulter. For now though, the coach is happy to keep her running. Ackerman likes it that way.

	TRR photo by Richard A. Ross The 400 is her strongest race. Here she beats out teammate Jamie Clifford at Liberty. (Click for larger image)

A highlight of the season had to be her defeat of national superstar Heather Iaturo of Tri-Valley in the 400-meter race at a dual meet in Jeffersonville, NY. True, Iaturo is a distance runner, but beating her was sweet all the same.

A fine math student, she does not really know what the future will hold as far as college is concerned. Ackerman said she might go to college and run, but then again, she does not really want to leave the farm.

This week’s youth in focus is a homegrown harrier.