NEWS
& EVENTS

July 30, 2008

Contact: Amy Hewes
College of Engineering
805-756-6402
ahewes@calpoly.edu

IME Grad Bound for Beijing Olympics

The Olympic dreams of 2003 Cal Poly Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering graduate Stephanie Brown Trafton have become more dramatic.

Elated with earning a spot on the USA Olympic team in 2004, the 28-year-old discus thrower from Arroyo Grande admits she wasn't too discouraged after her 22nd place finish at the Athens Games. A similar finish at the Beijing Olympics, however, would be highly disappointing.

"This time it feels like I can actually make an impact at the world level," Brown Trafton told a reporter for the San Luis Obispo County Tribune. "Before I was happy to go and happy with the experience. This time, I'm going on a business trip. This is more of a business trip than a vacation. I've definitely got a mission that I've got to accomplish."

Brown Trafton, a six-time All-American at Cal Poly, said she is on a mission to become the first American woman since win a medal in the discus since 1984. She seems to have a great shot. With a mark of 217 feet, 1 inch at the Hartnell Throwers Meet in Salinas, Calif., on May 8, Brown Trafton has the third-best discus throw in the world this year. She also won the Prefontaine Classic on June 8 in Eugene, Ore., over a field that included USA teammates Aretha Thurmond and Suzy Powell-Roos. Brown Trafton, who currently competes for Nike, was then third at the U. S. Olympic Track and Field Trials on June 29 with a mark of 205-6.

"I think I'm in the running for the gold medal," Brown Trafton said. "If I compete well, I really should be in contention. I'm working really hard and if I can make the finals, anything can happen."

Before leaving for Beijing in late July - the discus competition begins on Aug. 15 with the finals slated three days later - Brown Trafton, who currently resides in Galt and is employed by Sycamore Environmental Consultants, Inc., talked to Engineering Advantage Online.

This is the second time you've made the Olympic Team. What does it take to compete (mentally and physically) as an athlete of this caliber over four years and more?

"In my sport, the most successful age seems to be in the early 30's. Being a two-time Olympian before 30 is pretty rare. In this event, if you can keep from getting injured or at least recover from injury with the help of trained medical specialists, you can be successful for a long time. I have a lot of people who support my effort: Coach, massage therapist, trainer, employer, my family as well as local company sponsors. Every person in that equation is vital my success. "Living a balanced life is so important to me. I have a wonderful husband. My employer (Sycamore Environmental Consultants, Inc.) gives me flexible hours and time off to train and compete. I am involved at church and host a home Bible study group at my house weekly. I train anywhere from three to five hours daily. I like to be busy and live with purpose for a good portion of the day then come home and sit in front of the TV!"

Is there any difference in how you're approaching these games over 2004?

"In 2008 I am preparing mentally to be in the mix for a medal at the Olympics. This is a multi-step process where jumping too far ahead too soon can lead to failure. I need to pay attention to how I can get past the next challenge but still keep the ultimate victory in my sights. In earning a spot on "the hardest team to make" by winning a bronze the Olympic Trails I have extended my season to the next challenge. In Beijing I must concentrate on doing whatever it takes to be in the top 12, then the top eight, then the bronze silver or gold!"

Did Cal Poly help you attain your athletic and professional goals?

"At Cal Poly I learned to envision a goal, see the steps necessary for success, and then execute the plan. Many people have excellent ideas but are never taught how to formulate a plan and follow through until the desired result is achieved. The Cal Poly Engineering curriculum as well as clubs and departmental projects gave me a chance to practice the process of creation and implementation of projects."

You are currently working in the Information Technology Services department at Sycamore Environmental Consulting. How do you fit that in?

"I work as a GIS Analyst and provide support for internal IT projects. I use AutoCAD daily to create 2D representations of biological resources on property owned by our clients. I also prepare project schedules for our 150 active projects. Before I had to take time off for my athletics this year, I was planning our company's transition to MOSS and Microsoft Project Server. I am Microsoft Certified in Enterprise Project Management for PS 2007 and planning on taking the PMP (Project Management Professional) certification test as soon as I have the 4000 hours of PM under my belt.

"Continuing education is a big part of my professional career plan. I am fortunate that the adult/continuing education program at Sacramento State is highly recognized. I would encourage everyone to take continuing education classes after college because technology is always changing and there are always new things to learn. Sometimes the biggest "take away" from continuing education is the name and face of a professional in your class that happens to be working at the company you have your eyes set on. It is great for networking."