Emily Artesani knows something about efficiency. Whether it’s in the classroom or running the ever-grueling 400 meters, she is adept at managing her energy and coming out on top.
A sophomore psychology major in the university’s honors program, Artesani recently broke one of the university’s longest standing track records in the 400 meter event.
But what is it that makes the Orono native and standout student athlete tick?
Time management and discipline have become her credo.
Having broken the record in arguably the most physically trying track and field event – a full lap done at a sprint – Artesani uses pacing and smarts to outlast her competition.
“It’s a lot of strategy,” Artesani said. “For the first 50 meters it’s a sprint and then you just try to coast without losing much speed until the last 100 meters and then it’s basically an all-out sprint. You have to be efficient.”
This same efficiency has allowed her to retain a strong academic standing while balancing an intense on- and off-season training regimen that includes weight-lifting and running with her relay-mates seniors Hattie Landry (Acton) and Christa Hutchinson (Gorham) and sophomore Sarah Hale (Naples), who she credits heavily for her recent success.
Whether she’s lifting weights in the Costello Sports Complex, over-training by running the 600 meters, or studying in hotels or on the bus to away meets, Artesani makes the most of her time amidst a busy life.
Breaking the 400 meter’s 17-year-old record at the NYU Fastrack Invitational in New York City with a time of 59.64 seconds, Artesani became only the second woman in USM history to break the one-minute barrier in an indoor event.
Artesani remains humble, shying away from some of the much-deserved attention.
“I’ve definitely had some really good coaching from both our head coach and our strength coach,” she says, trying to pass along some of the credit. “They’ve really helped me in mapping out the season with strategy and training.”
When asked if she would mind being profiled, she said that she was featured in last week’s Free Press (Husky Hero), and that she didn’t want sound like she was bragging.
But bragging she’s not, and setting herself up for continued success in the field-house and in the lecture hall she certainly is.
Look for Artesani to be a key component to the women’s outdoor track and field team, which starts it’s season over break at two meets in Florida.