What was your most memorable race?
My most memorable race was at regionals when I was able to make it to states for the first time to end my year at Montverde Academy.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
My biggest competition over the four years was myself because I would always say that I probably wouldn’t be able to reach my goals for my senior year, but it turns out I did. I overcame my negative thoughts because I did not know what I was capable of.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment was being able to do three sports through my senior year and receiving the male athlete of the year award out of all the athletes at Montverde.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I always thought about this. First I thought that if I started running earlier I would have been an even better runner, but because of the great friends I made through basketball (which got in the way of running practices) I would not change a thing.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most difficult obstacles I overcame were people’s negative thoughts saying “you can’t do it” or “you’re not fast enough,” and I used that as motivation because I knew that once I proved them wrong it would make that moment of victory even sweeter.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss training with great teammates at Montverde who are not only great athletes, but great friends.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
Don’t quit when you don’t see the results. You will see them later on; that’s why it’s called progress. Every day get after what you want and don’t let anybody convince you otherwise. It’s all about productivity and how well you did the activity right. You can do a workout and think you got better, but if you did not give it your all, then you were wasting your time. Lastly, TIME is the most precious commodity we have in life, it’s something you can’t buy or ever get back, SO DON’T WASTE IT!
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
My coach has been the greatest person I have ever met. Without his leadership or advice I would not be the runner I am today. He taught me everything I know about running, especially when to keep running when my mind wants to quit, and that to me is the hardest thing about the sport. That can be applied to life as well. When things get tough, and my mind says it’s too much, it will be his advice in which I will fall back on to help me through life’s tribulations. Not only has he made me become a better runner but a better person.
What are your college plans?
I plan to run cross country and track and field at Nova Southeastern University.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I want to thank my coach and my teammates for an amazing ride throughout my high school journey and for memories that will never fade.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Thanks to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, my family and friends, and to the people who said I could not do it.
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Want to be fetured in our Salute To Seniors series? Drop me a line: TGrasley@milesplit.com and answer the questions above! Congratulations to the class of 2013 on all their hard work and success.