By Justin Feil, The Packet Group
Rebekka Vuojolainen’s outdoor season began in pain — mental and physical.
But the Princeton High School sophomore will end her year in triumph after finishing sixth in the girls triple jump at the NJSIAA Group III meet last Saturday.
That gave the Cranbury resident her first Meet of Champions appearance. The MOC was re-scheduled from Wednesday to Thursday (after press time), weather permitting.
”It feels like a good accomplishment,” said Vuojolainen, who leapt 34-feet-9. “I’ve had a lot of technical difficulties at the beginning of the season and then it all came together. It was one of my big goals. It feels good to finally make my goal.”
Especially considering what she thought of her chances when the season started.
”It was really bad,” Vuojolainen said. “I couldn’t figure out how to do the jumps right. I was hurting my foot after every jump. My first few meets, it was a big problem.”
With steady practice, she corrected her form to reach the MOC. The top six from each event along with the next six athletes from all groups qualify for the MOC.
Vuojolainen had to wait to find out she qualified. She tied Seneca’s Maggie Reinhold for sixth place, but left thinking she missed another chance.
”I noticed how tight it was,” Vuojolainen said. “When I first finished, I thought I hadn’t made it. An hour after I left, Coach called me and told me I made it.”
Jim Smirk’s call completely changed the way Vuojolainen viewed the meet.
”I was more disappointed,” Vuojolainen said of her original feelings upon leaving. “I didn’t think I’d get a wild card.”
She had been all right with missing the MOC last year. After all, she had been only a freshman.
”I wasn’t too disappointed,” she said. “I knew it was my first year. I wasn’t expecting much. When I got to groups, nerves got to me. I made a goal when I got there to do better than last year. I’m pretty happy with myself.”
Vuojolainen fell back on her experience as she competed in the group meet. Having been there before benefited her in reaching the MOC.
”I’m sure it helped,” Vuojolainen said. “I was still nervous this year, but my coach told me to stay aggressive.”
Vuojolainen was coming off a personal-best 35-3 at the sectional meet. While she had hoped for a personal record in the group meet, setting one in the MOC would be even bigger as she looks to a bright future.
”I’m just hoping to do my best and hopefully PR,” she said. “I’m going to try my best and see what happens.”
Things have a way of working out for Vuojolainen. She is just getting started in representing the Little Tigers on the biggest stage.
”It encourages me to keep improving every year,” she said. “Hopefully, I’ll be making it to the big meets, possibly nationals. It’s a small dream of mine.”
It may be small, but it keeps Rebekka Vuojolainen aiming big. Reaching the MOC was the latest of her stepping stones.
”I make goals every meet,” she said, “and I usually accomplish them.”
