COLONY Ursula Billings is more than just a one-trick pony. Not only does the Crest sophomore run cross country and track for the Lancers, she also competes for the Iola Seahorses in the pool.
Yes, Billings is a superb athlete, finishing ninth at state in the 3200 meter run as a freshman, and, as such, is one of Junes Allen County Area Athletes of the Month. But sports arent her only interest. Billings is a scholar, swim coach, musician, animal lover, poultry judge, and a part-time novelist.
Safe to say, she is more than just your prototypical high-school athlete.
Billingss forte is her ability to run. At the state track meet, Billings missed out on a medal by 4 seconds. As for swimming, its not her first love, but she enjoys the team atmosphere.
Still, she believes she is better on land than in water.
Billings has taken the past couple of summers to improve her stroke technique. Billings admits she once viewed swimming more as an activity for fun. But after younger kids started passing her up in times, her competitive spirit kicked in.
Billings has excelled in the pool this summer, sweeping all her events in her first meet in Coffeyville. Winning is a big plus, but the effects swimming can provide in running are an even larger positive.
Swim team is really fun because of all the different strokes you can do. Its fun to see how I can improve various strokes. With running, all you do is run, Billings said. The only variety is either short or long distance.
Swimming is definitely an aerobic exercise that beefs up the cardiovascular system.
You are constantly holding your breath, expanding your lungs, during swimming, she said. It helps with your breathing when running because you arent gasping for breath. You are more controlled and can count your breath, and it makes it easier on your heart and lungs.
Billings also is a swim instructor this summer.
It is a lot better than I thought it was going to be, Billings said of the job. I actually didnt want a job. Its summer vacation, after all. But my mom told me I needed to get a job and Elka (her sister) was going to get a job and she was driving me so I thought I might as well get a job.
The kids are fun to be around. The first week that I did swim lessons I had two 5-year-olds and a few older kids, but this week I have all older kids. If I can see that Im making a difference and they are learning, then its all good.
Those young swimmers are in great hands. Billings is someone who gives 110% to whatever activity she puts her mind to. Sister Elka says Ursulas competitive attitude and will to win is evident through the leadership roll she took upon herself last fall during cross country season.
I wouldnt say that she gets necessarily angry, but shes just like cmon and really wants to boost everyone up, Elka said. She just wants to get everyone in the right mindset so that when we run, we are all in the zone.
Billings wanted her cross country team to make it to state, but they missed out after being one place away. Still, Billings made the state meet as an individual.
