Murray a motivator for Warriors track and field

In her first four dual meets of the 2019 track and field season and at the Bronco Invitational, nobody could catch Fallbrook High School junior Erin Murray in the 400 meters.

It's not likely that many runners will this season.

The three-year varsity letterman was nominated by coach Marco Arias for Athlete of the Week not only because she hasn't been caught, but because "she leads both by example and by motivating others to do their best in all that they do."

Sure, she entered the 2019 season as the back-to-back Valley League Champion in the 400 meters, but Arias said he was just as impressed with her work ethic.

"She is a coach's dream," he said. "She not only runs the workouts that are put in front of her, but she really attacks them as if she was competing in an actual race. She is always looking for anything to make her better as a runner and is positive with all her teammates. She looks after and mentors the younger athletes and really shows what a captain of a team should be."

Murray, who also plays field hockey, placed sixth in the 400 meters at last year's San Diego CIF finals, something of which she is very proud.

"I was running against the best in San Diego," she said. "I ran a great time and was ecstatic about my results."

Murray also runs 200 meters, 4x100 meter relay and 4x400 meter relay for the Warriors, and she has lofty goals for the team and for herself in 2019.

"My goal for the team this season is to win the league and for our 4x100 team to go to CIF," she said. "My personal goal for the season is to break 56 seconds in the 400 meters and go to state."

When asked what her favorite accomplishment is a member of the Warriors track and field team, she said, "When our 4x100 team won first place in the first race of our season a few weeks ago. It was the first time all four of us ran together, and the win set everyone up for a great season."

Even before she got to high school, Murray knew she enjoyed running, especially timed runs.

"When I was in junior high, we had weekly runs in PE class," she said. "Every week I would try to improve my time from the last week, and that's when I realized I enjoyed running and competing in races. When I got to high school, I knew I wanted to continue running so I decided to join track and field."

Even though most of the events in track and field are individual, it's the team that aspect of the sport that Murray said she enjoys most.

"I love this sport because of the sense of camaraderie among the teammates," she said. "Everyone gets along so well with each other and is so supportive no matter the event. Besides the team aspect, I love the sense of accomplishment and adrenaline rush right after a race, especially after winning or setting a new personal record. It's an amazing feeling that keeps you wanting more."

Murray said she would like to run track in college, and so far a few schools have shown interest in her, but no scholarship offers as of yet.

She said she hopes to attend an out-of-state school to pursue a career in medicine with a focus on dermatology.

At Fallbrook High, Murray is a member of the Tomahawk newspaper staff and is involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Get to know Erin Murray

Favorite team?

"USC track and field team"

Favorite athlete?

"Sydney McLaughlin, a 400 meter sprinter who went to the 2016 Olympics when she was just 16."

Favorite band/musical artist?

"Lady Gaga, I like her music."

Favorite TV show?

"I don't have a favorite TV show because I don't watch TV very often."

Favorite movie?

"Ferris Bueller's Day Off"