JEFF FIELDER Editor
Dawn Dunbar, a junior at Chadron High School, is this week’s Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance Female Athlete of the Week. At last weekend’s Chadron State College Indoor Track and Field Meet, Dunbar won the 55-meter hurdles in 9.55 seconds, placed second in the triple jump (31-6), and was on Chadron’s winning 4×400 relay team. In addition to track and field, Dunbar competes in softball and basketball. Her parents are Brett and Shelley Dunbar.
Q: How do you feel like you performed at the Chadron State College Indoor Meet?
DUNBAR: “I was a little bit shocked because it was the first meet and we hadn’t practiced much because of school cancellations. It was a good surprise.”
Q: What are your goals for this track and field season?
DUNBAR: “I feel like this is my year. I want to finish on top a lot this year because in the past I’ve always gotten third [in the 100 hurdles] behind two seniors – one from Gering and one from Scottsbluff. But they graduated, so I want to move up this year. Another one of my goals is to make it to state.”
Q: Are you aiming for any particular time this season?
DUNBAR: “Yes. I got a PR in the 55 hurdles this weekend, and I would like to PR in the 100’s, too. It would be nice to consistently hit 16’s. I also want to keep improving in the triple jump.”
Q: What has been your biggest highlight so far in your track and field career?
DUNBAR: “I’ve qualified for Best in the West every year in the 100 hurdles. That’s always been exciting.”
Q: What track and field meet are you looking forward to the most this season?
DUNBAR: “The Ogallala Invite is always a good one. You see some more of the middle Nebraska teams at that one.”
Q: Which school do you feel has the best track?
DUNBAR: “Probably Ogallala. But Alliance just finished their track, so I’m excited to run on that one.”
Q: Which athlete on your team makes people laugh the most?
DUNBAR: “Probably Malia Burwell [a junior].”
Q: What is something that a coach has told you or your team that has really stuck with you?
DUNBAR: “To hydrate.”
Q: What is your favorite track and field event, and what event would you least like to try?
DUNBAR: “For me, I think the two-mile would be the worst. I feel terrible for those kids. The event I like the best is the 400.”
Q: How much do you enjoy representing Chadron?
DUNBAR: “I love it. It’s fun in all three sports.”
Q: What is your favorite class?
DUNBAR: “English.”
Q: Which teacher has made the biggest influence in your life?
DUNBAR: “Probably Mrs. Brenda Lanphear. She teaches English at the high school. She’s always very positive.”
Q: In your opinion, what’s the best part about living in Chadron?
DUNBAR: “I would say the people. Everyone knows everyone because it’s a small town.”
Q: What’s the best place to hang out in Chadron?
DUNBAR: “Everybody likes to meet at McDonald’s after basketball games and other events. For some reason, that’s the hangout spot.”
Q: Which restaurant in Chadron do you like the best?
DUNBAR: “Wilds Bar and Grill. My best friend’s family owns it. It’s really family-friendly. Everybody is always there on Friday and Saturday nights. I really like the atmosphere there.”
Q: What’s the favorite item on the menu there?
DUNBAR: “Barbecue wings.”
Q: Name one person who makes a big difference in your community?
DUNBAR: “There are several, but if I had to pick one, I would say Con Marshall. Everybody loves Con. He takes a lot of pictures and always makes sure everybody gets credit – and not just athletes, either. He makes sure everybody gets the credit they deserve.”
Q: What do you like to do for fun outside of school activities?
DUNBAR: “I like to cook.”
Q: What is the most interesting or popular thing going on in your school or community right now?
DUNBAR: “Everybody is getting ready for prom. That’s not until May, but our prom is a good one, so everybody gets pretty excited for it. We have it up at the college. It’s fun.”
Q: Do you have any brothers or sisters?
DUNBAR: “Yes, I have two brothers [Dan, a senior at Chadron High; and Dawson, a freshman at Chadron High), and one sister [Dana, a freshman at DMACC].”
For all your insurance needs, including home, auto, commercial, farm & ranch, and life, please visit The Kristy Culek Agency, LLC at 1012 Ave. I in Scottsbluff, or call 308-632-8598.
