Bakersfield College freshman runner/javelin thrower Ashley Webber has a goal: It’s to make it to the state track and field championships.

“I at least want to try to make it to state,” she said. “I’m just worried about mainly dropping my time, especially in the 200 (meters), my main event. I at least want to get to a 25-something.”

Webber’s best times are 26.29 in 200 and 12.78 (12.5 hand time) in the 100. “That’s the fastest time I ever ran in 100 [at Santa Monica, earlier in the season, Feb. 27],” she said.

Webber competes in the women’s 100 and 200 and in the 400 and 1600 relays. Webber also started to compete in the javelin throw this season and expressed interest in excelling in the event.

“Maybe the javelin, I just started that [this season], and I’ve been getting second place overall. So, I think I would be really good in that. I’m throwing at seventy-six for right now in my first year, so I can focus on that a little bit more,” said Webber.

Webber, originally from Oxnard, moved to Bakersfield her junior year in high school and graduated from South High School. She has been running since her freshman year in high school and was inspired by family to begin competitive running despite health problems.

“I’ve always wanted to run, but I had asthma,” she said. “I was the last one to start running track in my family. My mom, dad, brother and sisters ran track, so it’s kind of a family thing, and I like it.”

Webber pointed out her strengths and weaknesses. “My strongest point would be just having speed. My weakest is the endurance because I get out of breath so fast.”

BC head track and field coach Dave Frickel spoke highly about Webber and her efforts and wants Webber to do more events.

“Ashley works really hard,” he said. “Anything you ask her to do, she’ll do. She’s a real team person as far as if you need her to do an extra event, she’ll be willing to step up to try something. She’s asked to try new events: the 400 hurdles, the 800. And we talked to her about long jumping. We’re even toying with the idea of putting her in the heptathlon.”

Frickel added, “She’s very diminutive, very small but very powerfully built.”

Frickel also mentioned her leadership skills, “She’s a team leader,” he said. “If you have somebody that you want to exemplify as a role model as far as hard work and training, and showing up and being there, that’s a good example.”

Frickel also said that when times are changed for practices that Webber notifies the rest of the team by calling her teammates.

Outside of school, Webber’s activities are limited due to the amount of time Webber spends at practice and at school. “[There’s] no time at all. Just do that (track and field), school and rest.”

Webber said that when not at school, she likes to hang out with friends but mostly likes doing sports.

Webber’s major is psychology, but the subject was not her first choice.

“I actually wanted to be in the nursing program, but then I found out that it takes a lot of years, and I wanted to get out really, really fast,” she said. “I’ve always been the type of person who would like to listen to people and always helping people out, so I thought that would be a good thing to study right now, so I changed it this semester.”

Webber is focused on the track and field season and takes care of herself.

“Track meets are now on the weekends, so it’s just really about track and staying focused on track right now. And sleeping when I can and resting my body,” said Webber.

Webber suffered injuries recently. She pulled her left hamstring and had a swollen quad muscle and a calf muscle cramp, all on her left leg. However, Webber is optimistic.

“I’m just trying to break it out right now and stay off my leg until our practice today (March 11).”

Webber’s paternal twin brother, freshman O’Shea is also on the team and also a sprinter. The brother and sister team duo strive to make it to the state championships. Webber finds inspiration in her brother, who altered his plan to enlist in the Navy, to compete with Webber at BC.

“My brother, he’s really fast, and he’s actually supposed to go to the Navy, but he changed his mind to come run another year with me so we can run together,” said Webber.

Webber’s brother competes in the 200, 400 and relays for the men’s team.

For next year, Webber wants to continue in track and field but also wants to venture out to cheerleading. “I make sure that I’m thinking about doing cheer and track at the same time,” said Webber. Webber added, “This year’s really good for me in track.”

Frickel sees a future for Webber and would like to keep her focused.

“We want her to keep excelling as a student and as an athlete,” he said. “We’d love to move her on to someplace after Bakersfield [College].”