Page 62 June 2014 ARCADIA SPORTS Surgery proves a lesson in starting over By Nicholas Smith Sophomore year was a rough time for McKenna Daniel. The Arcadia high volleyball and basketball player was facing a daunting challenge: reconstructive ankle surgery. “It was partially from rolling my ankles in sports, partially hereditary,” Daniel said. “The doctors also told me I would have to have surgery on both ankles.” The result of the surgery would be over a year of rehab, two screws in each ankle, and the end of McKenna’s volleyball and basketball career. But instead of becoming overwhelmed by it, she instead focused her energy on a goal. “I completely devoted myself to getting back for the start of track season,” Daniel said. “I had surgery in February and I worked as hard as I could to try and get back by October.” She accomplished her goal and was a standout on the track team her junior and senior seasons. McKenna competed in the shot-put and the discus and seemed destined to do so from an early age. “My aunt, Jan Ware, still holds the Arcadia record for the shot-put and the discus. My sister also competed in those events,” she said. “It’s a family thing.” Ware is now the coach for both boys and girls shot-put and discus, meaning McKenna was in good hands. “My aunt has been great,” she said. “She’s always been encouraging and helpful every step of the way. My goal was always to try and break her records, which I wasn’t able to do once I had my ankle problems.” Because she could no longer play the team sports she had grown up with, McKenna learned to appreciate the uniqueness of individual sports. “I feel like anyone who hasn’t played an individual sport can’t truly understand what its like,” she said. “There’s no one to ever bail you out. It’s not me so much about persevering and believing in what I could accomplish.” The high point of her senior season came during the district meet, when McKenna finished 2nd overall in the shot-put. She threw it 26 feet and 3 ½ inches, destroying her personal record by 3 feet. She may not have broken her aunt’s record, but it’s safe to say that her coach is probably pretty proud of her anyway. By Tina Tombs Many times while playing golf you’ll find your golf ball landing on an uneven lie. No reason to panic, I’m going to highlight the downhill and uphill lie this month. In order to execute these shots properly, a few pre-shot adjustments need to be made. These guidelines are for the right- handed golfer’s perspective. Downhill and Uphill Lie: • You need to position your shoulders to match your feet and the angle/ slope of the hill. • Move the ball back a little in your stance to assure solid contact with the ball. • A shorter swing is more effective on an uneven lie and will help you make solid contact and maintain your balance throughout your swing. Because of the shorter, smooth swing, one more club is a good choice. • Keep your weight on your target leg (on a downhill lie) and non-target leg (on an uphill lie) and swing with the slope of the hill in both situations. A practice swing is recommended as a balance check with all uneven lies. The downhill lie will produce a low trajectory shot with more roll. The uphill lie will produce a higher than normal ball flight due to the uphill slope. Remember these few tips and you will have success on the course Tina Tombs is the Director of Instruction at the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club and an LPGA Tour Professional. You can contact her at Tina@tinatombsgolf.com. Shot off an uneven lie McKenna Daniel has followed the family tradition in shotput. LEARN THE SKILLS TO PLAY MULTIPLE SPORTS all in one camp! IN ARCADIA New Way Academy, 52nd St & Oak basketball, soccer, baseball, swimming, archery, volleyball and field sports 1 week sessions· Full & Half day Extended Care · Ages 4½ -13 HUBBARDSPORTS.COM 602.971.4044

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