Mallory Clark is a May scholar athlete

ALLEGANY, N.Y. (WIVB) - As the school year draws to a close, we're about to meet our final female scholar athlete, and we have saved one of our best for last. Mallory Clark comes from Allegany-Limestone High School. On the track, or on-track for college, she's a winner.

Mallory Clark said, "I love track because it is both an individual and a team sport. Team-wise, where you go to individuals or team meets and you try to win the whole thing and score points for your team. But it's also individual because later in the season at Sectionals or County (meets) you try to do your personal bests."

Allegany-Limestone track coach Kathy Stamets said, "Her skills are outstanding for the size school she's in. An athlete like her does not come along often for someone like me as a coach. That's why it's been such a pleasure to work with her. Every time I think she's reached her potential, she surprises us and takes the next step up."

"It's very rewarding after the race when I know I got a better time. It may hurt while running, but it's definitely worth it," said Clark.

Stamets added, "She'll be a name that will be remembered. She's up on the record board for the 200 and 400 meter dash. She's also part of the 4x100 and 4x400 team that keeps breaking records. They keep breaking their own records. Those records will be tough to touch."

Clark said, "My successes in athletics definitely help me become a better student. It's like a competition in school as well. You're trying to get that one spot higher in your school rank, yeah definitely. I do feel like a role model in this school. They look up to me because they say, 'Wow, she can both strive to be athletic and have great academic scores!' That's a great feeling."

Clark will attend Binghamton University, where she will continue to run track.