Girls track: Kennedy's Ianna McGregor wins
two medals
THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2012
BY MIRA WASSEF
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD
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LITTLE FALLS — Right before Ianna McGregor was about to take off for her third attempt in the
triple jump, she swayed back and forth and got up on the tip of her toes.
KEVIN R. WEXLER/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Passaic Tech's Alexes Washington is all smiles after winning the 100 meters.
In the background, the Kennedy sophomore could hear her mother, Joy Martinez, yell, “Take a deep
breath and reach for the pit.”
But Martinez isn’t just another parent rooting from the stands. She’s also a Kennedy coach who was a
former track standout for the Lady Knights, and has been coaching her daughter the past two years.
“Sometimes it’s difficult. Maybe I get another coach to come over here and coach her,” Martinez said
with a laugh.
But it’s been working for the duo. McGregor finished second in the triple jump with a personal best
of 34-8¼ at the Passaic County championships Wednesday at Passaic Valley High School.
McGregor, 15, also took third in the high jump with a leap of 5-0, tying her personal best.
“It feels really good. I’m happy I did well today,” McGregor said. “It’s normal to have my mom as
coach. I knew she was good at track. There’s no pressure, and she helped me with my confidence.”
Confidence is not an issue for the outgoing and bubbly McGregor. She is a multitalented young lady
who is good at track, dancing, modeling and acting. McGregor is a dance major at Paterson’s Rosa
Parks Arts High School, concentrating on jazz, modern and ballet but plays sports at Kennedy. She
recently went on an educational European tour of Italy, France and Spain, and took the opportunity
to shop her portfolio at different modeling agencies. She’s also tried out for Tyra Banks’ hit show,
“America’s Next Top Model.”
“She loves the limelight,” Martinez said.
“I think I’m good at everything,” McGregor added. “I have enough energy for all of them. I just have
fun with it.”
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Tags: Sports | H.S. Sports | Girls Track | High School Spring Sports