Much like a potent red Swiss Army knife, 21-year-old Dana Felt carries the power to accomplish much in her tall thin physique. Her freshman year at Mesa College, she earned eleventh place in the Southern California Championship Heptathlon with 3,415 points. This two-day competition consists of seven track and field events including 200m, 100m Hurdles, Shot Put, High Jump, Long Jump, 800m and Javelin.

Dana represented Mesa College and as Foothill Conference Champion she competed against colleges from all of Southern California.

“It was definitely a highlight of my year to hear our rivals Grossmont College cheering for me as I ran the race,” she said.

Between track and college classes, this English composition major keeps her balance by meeting with professors during office hours and going to tutoring.

“She is a student athlete that represents Mesa College well academically and athletically,” said Head Track and Field Coach Renee Ross. “She understands that she is a student first and an athlete second. She is an excellent role model.”

Her dedication, discipline and drive have also paved the way for her to achieve second place overall in Foothill Conference for 100m hurdles, fifth place overall in Foothill Conference for high jump, and nineth place overall in Foothill Conference in long jump.

“She has incredible discipline and dedication to the sport of track and field,” said Coach Ross. “She is successful because she has passion and drive. She continues to set goals for herself and does everything possible to meet the goal with her commitment.”

Felt’s track record displays what a good attitude, hard work and perseverance can achieve. “No matter what hardship comes her way, injuries or sickness, etc., she makes sure to always have a smile on her face and an outlook that is always positive,” added Coach Ross.

Sept. 7, 2011, marked another day Felt will live with forever. She had her third heart surgery.  “I’ve had a pacemaker put in. I wasn’t allowed to move my left arm for a month and a half. I had a routine of lifting and running every day. It was definitely a tough adjustment,” she said.

Felt’s attitude can be summed up in this statement: “As long as I can do this, I can do anything.”

Her family’s support has always been a big part of her life. “My mom comes to every single meet,” said Felt.

When asked about any athletic or professional role models, Felt explained that she has never looked up to athletes. “Even though there are several amazing professional athletes, everything I need to reach my goals and thrive as a person and as an athlete, I see in my mom,” she said

Felt’s advice to Mesa College students is “Don’t let anything get you down. If you have any passion for it, you will thrive.”