'On The Record' With Track's Ariane Beaumont-Courteau

'On The Record' is GoZips.com's weekly Q&A feature that provides the opportunity for Zips fans to get to know a member of The University of Akron track and field program.

This week, we sat down with UA sophomore Ariane Beaumont-Courteau. The native of Montreal, Quebec, is the reigning indoor pole vault champion in the Mid-American Conference and a two-time MAC Scholar Athlete of the Week.

GoZips.com: How did you first get started participating in track & field?
Beaumont-Courteau: My father was a track and field coach, and he introduced me to pole vaulting and to track and field when I was very young. I participated in my first track meet at (age) six and my first pole vault meet at nine.

Why did you decide to participate in track & field in college?
I wanted to become a better pole vaulter and to compete at a high level, so I decided to be part of a college track and field team.

What motivates you during a tough training session?
I keep thinking about my goals and tell myself that this hard work will pay off and bring me the results I want.

Is there a certain person in your life who has inspired you during your track career?
My father has always believed in me and supported me. He's also the one who made me fall in love with pole vaulting and took me to the level I am now. I will always be grateful for that.

Why did you choose to come to The University of Akron?
Akron has a great group of pole vaulters, a great head coach, and amazing facilities.

What are some of your athletic goals?
I want to reach the NCAA championships as a student-athlete. I would also like to be among the best jumpers in Canada and participate in the Olympic Games.

What are your career goals?
I want to find a career I love in the scientific field, and keep pole vaulting until I reach my athletic goals.

Do you have a certain ritual for competition?
Not really. I usually try to relax and think about what I need to do to reach my objectives for the meet.

What is your greatest track & field memory?
The first time I jumped four meters in the pole vault was definitely my best track and field memory. It was in 2008, during the World Junior Championships in Poland. I felt so lucky to compete in the final against the best jumpers in the world, doing something I love. Breaking my personal best on top of that just made everything seem perfect.

How do you think the team will benefit with having the MAC Indoor Championships at home?
Competing at home gives us an advantage since we don't have to travel and we have the fans cheering for us. Our track is also one of the best in the conference, so it's always great to compete on it.

How does the Akron home meet atmosphere compare to some of the meets you have been to at other MAC schools?
Akron meets are always well organized and fun to go to. They try to organize the best meet for the athletes as well as for the spectators.

What does it mean to you to be able to compete in front of a home crowd so often during the Indoor Season?
It's definitely great. When you see that people came to see you compete, you only want to do your best.

'On The Record' archives:

Feb. 15: Gabriel Genovesi
Feb. 8: Skyler Willis
Feb. 1: Valerie Fraizer (Wert)
Jan. 24: Daryl Baptiste