Slow and tactical. That's how former Creekside standout and University of Florida freshman Jimmy Clark describes the 10k at this year's SEC Championships. The field came through the first 5k in roughly 15:06. Clark says coming in his coaches told the team to hang back from the leaders and not to lead the race. It was a plan that the youngster and teammate Josh Izewski executed to perfection.
"We sat right in the lead pack for majority of the race and placed ourselves well for when the pace picked up with a 1200 to go."
Clark closed the last 400 meters in 58 seconds and crossed the line in 29:44, not near his personal best of 29:08, but that was okay with him.His first thought after he crossed the line was that all the hard work finally paid off. It was the first individual title of his young career. He says it also gave him confidence coming into his next race, the 5k.
"Coach Spangler has done a tremendous job preparing us for championship season. To know I have the confidence in my coach, talking to him and knowing that he had the confidence that I was going to win that race is huge for me. None of this is possible without Coach Spangler's training and Coach Holloway's Support. For the 5k my goal is to place as high as I can. The 5k field is extremely talented with multiple sub 14 guys. It will be a very competitive race and will have a huge impact for the team championship and I want a team SEC championship more than anything."
Race Video
More Coverage
- Jimmy's Athlete Profile
- 2013 SEC Outdoor Track & Field Championship Meet Page
- 2013 SEC Outdoor Track & Field Championship Photos (Nearly 2000 by Joe Mizereck)
