In the case of Jersey Shore freshman Elizabeth Hollick, it was the latter. Girls head coach Monica Richards brought up Hollick as a newcomer that could make an impact immediately, and she certainly has.

When discussing Hollick following a strong, multi-medal showing at PHACs, the main character aspect Richards brought up was her work ethic. That work ethic has been a part of her arsenal since middle school.

“She’s always pushing herself, and she’s always chasing the next PR or record, and that’s something that I have really noticed over the past three years now,” said Richards. “She is all around a great athlete.”

It’s an aspect of her character that’s immediately put her in position to prosper at the next level. Despite having to adjust to high hurdles for the 100-meter hurdles, the underclassmen has done so seamlessly while also having other strengths (the high jump and sprints) and most notably, a potent 300.

TIM WEIGHT/For the Express Jersey Shore freshman Elizabeth Hollick competes in the 100-meter dash during the Lock Haven High School Classic earlier this season.

In the 300-meter hurdles, Hollick ran a 45.77 at the PHAC North 9th/10th meet in the process of sweeping hurdles. Not only was that time a state-qualifying mark, it also broke Shore’s program record – a 20-year-old record previously held by Hollick’s aunt, Emily Hollick.

As it stands, the 300 is the event Hollick is most confident in, but her 100 is also quickly developing right alongside it. Hollick has gone from the 18-second range in March to nearing sub-15 in May, most recently hitting a PR of 16.08 at PHACs last Saturday.

“She didn’t even do high hurdles until this year,” said Shore boys head coach Scott Kendall, who helps with hurdles for both teams. “We quickly got her acclimated to that, and she’s been pretty impressive. She’s getting close to a state time in the high hurdles (15.40), and I believe that she can run that time.”

Hollick’s talent and drive have her coaches thinking states, and she’s thinking the same. The Bulldog credits her coaches and teammates’ support and outward motivation as driving forces amidst her current track record of states.

“Even if you had a bad race, the people around you are always supportive,” said Hollick, citing fellow freshman Landon Armbruster as a particular motivator when it comes to her support system. “Being with the people that I am running with now, it’s probably my favorite part of track. Not even the running part, just the people I’m around all day long.”

And having already hit a state-qualifying time, she’s gone into postseason with added confidence. Hollick moves into Saturdays district finals with the belief that she can secure that coveted state bid in her districts debut, with plenty of evidence to back it up.

“That race really boosted me, like now I know that I can run that time and keep up with the older girls as a freshman,” said Hollick. “I’m really hoping I can get top three in the 300 and top four in the 100. And by 4-by-4 is doing really well. We’re currently seeded top two in the district.”

Heading into Saturday, she’s already earned a District 4 Class AAA medal in the high jump, claiming bronze with a 5-1, and qualified for the 100-meter hurdle finals. Her 100-meter hurdle finals and 300 prelims and finals are set for tomorrow.