Athlete of the Week: Autumn LaMontagne wins 100-meter hurdles race at Chico Track and Field Invitational

The Lincoln High track and field team competed at the Chico Track and Field Invitational on Saturday, its sixth event of the season, and multiple athletes placed well and earned personal records. One varsity athlete won an event, sophomore Autumn LaMontagne who placed first in the 100-meter hurdles at 18.36 seconds. LaMontagne has won the event five times so far this season, along with two first-place performances in the 300-meter race. LaMontagne qualified for the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters in both the 300-meter hurdles and the 4x100-meter relay as a freshman in 2022. The Lincoln News Messenger asked LaMontagne some questions and her answers follow. What is the best part about running track and field at Lincoln High? LaMontagne: "For me, the best part about running track and field would have to be the family that is created within the team. Everyone is so supportive of each other, and that's what makes track and field such an amazing experience." How long have you been involved competitively with track and field and who/what is your biggest motivation? LaMontagne: "I have been involved with track competitively for almost three seasons. I found my love for the sport in middle school during my sixth-grade year. Then, unfortunately Covid hit and everything was shut down, including most sports. Once I went into high school, my love for it was rekindled and I have been running it since freshman year. My biggest motivation is mainly the love for the sport and the events that I run." Did any of your family members play sports and if so, who and at what levels? LaMontagne: "Yes, my siblings played a few sports in middle school. All my aunts and uncles played a sport in high school. My mom did high school rodeo, and my dad played football and did track and field." You've won the 100-meter hurdles five times this season and the 300-meter hurdles twice. What do you feel has contributed the most to your success in both events thus far? LaMontagne: "I truly believe that the support from all my teammates, coaches and family is what has contributed the most to my success in both events this season." What are some of your biggest individual goals for the remainder of your sophomore season? LaMontagne: "My biggest goals this season would have to be to better myself in both events and to hopefully make it farther in the season than last year." Have you ever been involved in other sports? LaMontagne: "Yes, I have played soccer with Lincoln High since freshman year and played recreational soccer before that." What has been your favorite class in school and why? LaMontagne: "My favorite class in school is math because it comes to me a little easier and there is always a solution to the problem that is given." Who is your favorite musical artist/band? LaMontagne: "I would have to say that I don't really have a favorite musical artist or band mainly because I like to listen to music based on my mood and that changes a lot." Favorite restaurant and favorite food? LaMontagne: "I know this may be very controversial but I really like Jimboys Tacos. My mom and I look for one after every track meet. With that, my favorite food would have to be a plain taco. I'm kind of a picky eater." Outside of school and running track and field, what do you like to do in your free time? LaMontagne: "When I have time, I enjoy camping, fishing, reading and watching a lot of movies." Is there a particular job you'd like to have someday? LaMontagne: "I'm not quite set yet on a specific job but I would really like to work in the mathematical field, like an accountant." If you had a piece of advice for other local athletes, what would you tell them? LaMontagne: "My advice would be to not beat yourself up if you have a bad day or race. You need to focus on the positive parts of what happened and not the negative because if you feed yourself negative thoughts and feelings, then all you're going to get is negative results."