When we think of girls track records at San Lorenzo Valley High School, we think of Ale Barrientos, Lindsay Scarborough, and Taylor Johnson. But a few years before the Rob Collins era took hold in Valley, one girl stood apart from the rest: Jennie Warfield of the graduating class of 1996.
Warfield, now Jennie Corkery after being married to Pete Corkery, has two children and lives in Clovis.
Corkery was a multi-sport athlete who excelled in volleyball and track, but track was where she shined the brightest.
Corkery set a host of school records and five still stand today. A spectacular all-around athlete she holds school records in the heptathlon, the 100 meter dash, and the long jump as well as being on two record setting relay teams.
While competing for SLV, Corkery was recruited by Cal Poly, San Louis Obispo to compete as a long jumper for the Mustangs. During her tenure at Cal Poly, she threw the 5th best javelin throw in school history.
I caught up with Jennie for some informative Q&A.
Nathan Beck: After high school did you stick with your events in the heptathlon or the long jump? What got you into javelin?
Jennie Corkery: I had a season ending torn hamstring injury my freshman year. While I was recuperating my sophomore season, I tried standing and throwing without using my torn hammy as much. As it turned out I was naturally pretty good at the javelin so I took that up.
NB: What was the transition from the six event heptathlon to focusing on just javelin like?
JC: It was really a calming and focusing time for me. I had always worked to be mediocre at a bunch of different things so it was good for me to just focus on one event.
NB: How was your progression in javelin different?
JC: When I did the heptathlon I would have a bad day in some event and my scores would reflect that. As I threw the javelin I would PR (personal record) almost every day. I just kept improving throughout my career, which was really uplifting for me.
NB: Did you ever plan on competing again in other events?
JC: At that level the competition is so much more intense. Everyone on the track is a top competitor. I was out of running shape and really felt I had found my niche’ so I stayed off the track and out of the long jump pit. It worked out really well for me.
Sports reporter Nathan Beck profiles accomplished athletes from the San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley. Know someone he should talk to? E-mail him at na****@pr*********.com.
