The memory of her mother also still plays a huge role in her life — even in her drive to excel as a sprinter.

"I don't feel like I can slack off or quit because she never quit," Haymore said. "I know she's watching me somewhere, and I don't want her to see me quit."

That refusal to quit served Haymore well earlier this season when an error cost her victories in the 100, 200 and 400 at the UHSTCA Invitational. She was disqualified for competing in five events instead of four, which is the maximum an athlete can compete in. Rather than become bitter over the disqualifications, Haymore gleaned confidence from the fact she had performed so well against top competition.

Having that extra dose of confidence helped her sweep the same three events in the Alta, Taylorsville and Davis Invitationals and propelled her to a big victory in the open 400 at the 2009 Arcadia (Calif.) Invitational.

Haymore's upbeat attitude is infectious.

"It's hard not to be around her and not have a smile on your face," Garlick said.

One thing adding a smile to Haymore's face these days is all the attention she is suddenly drawing from local colleges.

When it came to recruiting, Haymore was virtually ignored a year ago. Now BYU, Utah, Utah State, Utah Valley and SUU are courting her to join their track programs next year.

It is another surreal moment for someone like Haymore, who shuns the spotlight. But, at the same time, running in college would allow her to cross off another goal on her list of goals she once wrote down.

"I would be so sad if this was my last year," Haymore said. "I feel like I'm just barely learning what the sport is all about."

What she has learned and accomplished so far is rubbing off on her younger teammates at Riverton. Seeing Haymore win in her chosen events week after week and break records along the way is pushing them to try and rise to her level.

"She makes me strive to be better," sophomore sprinter Charis Wingster said. "She just broke a state record in 5A, so I know if she can do it, then I can do it."

E-mail: jcoon@desnews.com