DAILY PILOT HIGH SCHOOL FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE WEEK:Buckley motivated as underdog

Shelby Buckley relishes being the underdog. Her seat just under the radar in the statewide track and field scene gives her the motivation to rise to the top.

Buckley, a junior at Corona del Mar High, has aspirations of competing among the elite at the state meet in June, still a couple of seconds away from joining the top group.

Not an impossible feat for one of the top athletes in the Southern Section in the 800-meter and 1,600 runs. She won the 800 and finished second in the 1,600 at the Trabuco Hills Invitational Saturday, earning Daily Pilot Female Athlete of the Week honors.

“I like being the underdog,” Buckley said. “I like chasing people. I’d rather try to win than try not to lose.”

Corona del Mar Coach Bill Sumner has Buckley and the team competing with a mindset ideal for getting better as the year progresses.

“Time is on her side,” Sumner said. “All of my athletes are told ‘Respect everyone, fear no one.’ I want Shelby to try to run with [Christine Babcock of Woodbridge, the defending state champion in the 1,600] for now.”

Buckley is building slowly to a crescendo at the end of the season. She is in a unique situation. While the other top runners in the two fields compete against themselves in practice and in dual meets, with nobody on their team to push them, Buckley gets tested everyday.

For the 800 and 1,600, Buckley runs in practice with Sea Kings junior Allison Damon and senior Hilary May, providing relentless competition whether in drills or meets. There is never a time when Buckley can just cruise to a victory or take it easy in practice.

Recently the trio was joined by 3,200 runner and Division III state cross country champion Sarah Cummings providing more fuel to the competitive fire.

“It’s healthy competition,” Buckley said. “It’s been a fun year.”

This season has been different for Buckley, a strong track and field runner throughout her high school career. With Annie St. Geme, the Sea Kings’ top runner last year, gone to Stanford, Buckley has filled in the “leadership” role that goes with being the best in her events.

“I’m honored coach gave me that responsibility,” Buckley said. “I’ve learned so much from last year. I’ve gained more confidence.”

The transition has been smooth. Damon, May and Buckley chat throughout their workouts.

“[Buckley] is really good, she’s really encouraging,” Damon said. “She pushes everyone in practice. We’re really good friends. We know how to have fun, gossip and talk while still getting our work done.”

Sumner said he believes Buckley can crack 4:48 in the 1,600, making her only the second Corona del Mar runner, St. Geme being the first, to achieve it in school history.

“I think I can do it,” Buckley said. “At the section finals last year I had a personal record of 4:59 in the mile. I’m really listening to Coach. The experience over the years has helped. One day it just all clicks. I knew I could get my mile down this year.”

As for being the underdog, that could be dangerous for the competition.

Prior to the state cross country meet Buckley was left out of a laundry list of the top runners in Division III by a popular running web site.

She went on to finish second in the race.

SHELBY BUCKLEY

Hometown: Anaheim Hills

Born: April 16, 1990

Height: 5-foot-3

Weight: 94 pounds

Sport: Track and field

Coach: Bill Sumner

Favorite food: Chocolate malt frozen yogurt

Favorite movie: “Wedding Crashers”

Favorite athletic moment: Winning the distance medley relay at the Nationals meet last year. She ran the 1,200-meter in 3 minutes, 30.5 seconds, the third fastest in U.S. history.

Week in review: Buckley won the 800 in 2:12.46 and was second in the 1,600 in 4:53.67 at the Trabuco Hills Invitational Saturday.