Raina Carr set a school record in the shot put at 38 feet, 9 inches to break the previous mark of 37-6¼ set by Denise Auryansen in 2001. The senior also won the discus to help the Lady Warriors beat North Pocono, 91-50, in a Lackawanna Track Conference Division II meet and remain unbeaten.
Family: Robert, father; Nina, mother; Rahanna, sister; Raybon, brother.
Describe the attempt when you set the shot put record: My first throw I actually fouled; I stepped out in front. I was a little upset about that. I went into a shed to keep my hands warm. The previous record was 37-6¼, and I came out for my second throw and threw 37-10. But I didn’t realize I threw that, and on my last throw I threw 38-9. So, I broke the record on my second throw, and then on my last throw, I set it and broke it again.
What was your reaction when you learned you broke the record: I was a little surprised. It was kind of random. I wasn’t in the mindset of breaking the record; I was just seeing if I could get a new PR. So when it happened I was very surprised. A lot of people said I wasn’t as hyped as I should have been. I think it’s because I know I can throw further. It’s just the beginning of the season so I have a lot more work to put in.
How aware of the record were you: I became aware of it my junior season, that it was 37-6¼. My PR junior year was 36-¼; that’s what I ended my season on. So this year, all through the fall and winter, I kept saying, “This is the year I’m going to break the record.” I guess I just spoke it into existence.
Now that you have the record, what does it mean to you: It means a lot. It shows all the work I’ve put in for the past four years. It shows how much my coaches have helped me throughout my journey of track and field doing shot and disc. It shows how my family is always there for me. Like when I go out on and practice on a random Saturday at 1 o’clock and be out there until 4 o’clock working on my footwork, how to get better and stuff like that.
You also won the discus to help the team win the meet and stay undefeated. What do you think about the team’s start: I don’t get to catch a lot of the running events, but when I do, we usually have a pretty good lead and end up winning a lot of them. I know our jumps are really good and our hurdles are pretty good. On the boys side, the runners, jumpers, hurdlers and throwers always perform how they should. That day I threw (the discus) at North Pocono, 101-11 was my highest mark. I’m going for the disc record as well. The disc record is 115 and my PR is 110-6. Hopefully that’s in the near future.
What are some of the other goals you have for the rest of the season: To be able to go undefeated like I did last year and hopefully come out on top at districts. Last year I came in second after going undefeated all year. So hopefully I can come out on top at districts in the shot and disc and go to states for both of them.
How did you get started in track and field: My eighth-grade year, my friend’s mom who’s also a teacher at Delaware Valley Middle School, Mrs. Donnelly, she pushed for me to go out for track and field. At first I was very hesitant. I didn’t think I’d be good at it. But I went out late in the season and joined with like one meet left. I ended up throwing and I finished third. That’s when I realized I really do like the sport.
Other sports I play: Basketball.
Favorite teams: South Carolina women’s basketball, Minnesota Timberwolves, Duke men’s basketball.
Favorite food: Chipotle.
Cake or pie: Pie.
Favorite school subject: Forensic science or science in general or anatomy. I like the study of the body, and I want to study criminal justice when I’m in college.
What got you interested in that: I took a forensics class my junior year. I liked the lessons and the different jobs you can get out of being a criminal justice major. You can be a lawyer, a psychologist, a police officer, a detective. That stuff has always interested me, but now that I know you can study that throughout college it made me really want to get into it. So, I’ve taken psychology, sociology and anatomy, all to prepare me for college.
Athletes I admire: Serena Williams. She’s an inspiration not only to people in tennis, but also African-American women in general. Also, Aja Wilson because every time she steps on the court, she does what she has to do and gets it done, no questions asked.
Superstitions and rituals: Before a basketball game or a track meet, I listen to calm music on the bus ride there or an hour before I have to perform. Then, as I’m warming up and getting ready, I listen to rap music.
If I could have any superpower, it would be: To be able to read people’s minds.
Three people I’d like to have dinner with: Kevin Hart, Dennis Rodman, Aja Wilson
Post-graduation plans: I’d like to continue my track and field career. It doesn’t matter if it’s Division I, II, III, Juco or NAIA. I just want to continue my passion for the sport I started when I was in eighth grade. I’m either going to attend Lincoln University or Hofstra University. It all depends on what they have to offer and if they have any open spots on the team.
