Athlete of the Week: Denise Munday, Ponitz Career Technology Center

Grade: Senior

Age: 19

Sport: Track

Claim to fame/honors: Only female in Dayton Public Schools to qualify for Division I state indoor meet; time of 7.79 in the 60-meter dash was one of the fastest in the state; runs 100, 200 and sometimes 400 and most of relays in outdoor season; plans to attend Central State and run track and and major in exercise science.

Bet you didn’t know … I’m an elite track athlete

Words you live by: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Also: All you have to do is believe.

Toughest opponent: The clock

Biggest influence: Allyson Felix

Meet-day rituals: I drink water and eat a salad the night before; I listen to music the day of the meet

What’s on your bedroom walls? My family picture

When I’m bored I like to … find something to do or go to sleep

Favorite movies: Scary movies

Favorite TV show: Empire

Favorite musical artist: Bruno Mars

I can’t live without: My music

I can live without: Bugs

Event you’d like to attend: The Olympics

Favorite home-cooked meal: Taco salad

Favorite restaurant: Chinese Buffet

Favorite smell: Cotton candy

Favorite cereal: Cinnamon Toast Crunch

Store where you’d like a shopping spree: Dick’s Sporting Goods

Vegetable you won’t eat: Beets

I’d love to trade places for a day with … Allyson Felix

Place where you’d love to travel? North Carolina

Talent you’d like to have? To be a dancer

Favorite school subject: American Government

Favorite athlete: Allyson Felix

Favorite team: The Steelers

Favorite Olympic sport: Track

Something in the world I’d like to change: Racism and violence

Favorite sports moment: The end of the meet; the last race of the day is the best race

Favorite junk food: Flamin’ Hot

Best thing about track: Winning and also PRs (personal records)

In 10 years, I hope to be … an athletic trainer and coach, somewhere in the sports field

Nominate an Athlete of the Week: Send an email to freelance writer Dave Lamb at d_lamb@msn.com. Please include the athlete’s name, school, sport and a phone number or email address where we can reach that athlete. Please include Athlete of the Week in the subject line.