ARLINGTON — Arlington’s Jessica Ludwig is competing in four events at the state track meet at Mount Tahoma High School.

Ludwig qualified at districts for state by placing first in the javelin throwing for 116-07 meters, second in the 100 hurdles in 16.13 seconds, second in the triple jump at 35-01 meters and third in the long jump leaping for 16-10.75 meters.

As a senior she takes practice seriously to “soak in” every moment because she does not plan to continue track in college.

“I need to cherish every moment of track,” Ludwig said. “When I’m having fun with something is when I have the most success.”

Ludwig plans to complete her prerequisites at Skagit Valley College in order to become a dental hygienist at Bellingham Technical College.

Ludwig has been to state in track all four years and is looking to place in the finals in all her events.

“I love the atmosphere in state,” she said. “Because I am surrounded by great athletes and then to have those people around push you.”

She was also captain of her basketball team that finished fourth in state, but said success in track is more precise than basketball.

“You  only have one chance to do it in track,” she said. “In track if you’re off, your whole event could go wrong.”

Despite competing at such a high level, Ludwig is not nervous.

“I’ve never been a nervous person when competing,” she said. “Nerves don’t really help. To compete at the best of your ability, you do not need to be nervous.”

Track coach Judd Hunter expects Ludwig to make the finals in all of her events, but thinks the javelin will be her strongest.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if she wins it,” he said.

In order for Ludwig to win, she needs to hit a personal record in the “upper 120s,” he said.

Seeing how Ludwig performed in districts, Hunter is focusing on her execution and “visualizing success.”

“We’re preparing her mind,” Hunter said. “We already spent the time building her up.

“We’re being positive and encouraging her,” Hunter said. “We’re making sure everything is hitting on all cylinders,”

Hunter, who is also the strength and conditioning coach for Arlington’s athletics, has noticed Ludwig’s work output in his classes.

“Her character is amazing. She will do what you say with a smile on her face,” Hunter said. “She’s a great leader and everything a coach wants to see in a player.”