What was your most memorable race/moment?
My most memorable moment was not making finals at state my junior year when a week earlier I had just ran the fastest time of my life. I was heartbroken, but a part of me was excited to have finally been able to relax and watch the 110 hurdles from the other side of the fence.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
My biggest competition over the years was without a doubt John Burt of Lincoln High School. If anyone was going to push me it was going to be John. Lining up next to him was always exciting because my race was never guaranteed. I'd have to fight for it and I'd always have to play catch up because his start is quintessential.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment was winning state in the 110s and leading my team along with Avery Bartlett to a state title. I don't really need to go into details because the title speaks for its self.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I would have done pre-season training my freshman year. Fall training clearly made a difference later in the season around districts, regionals, and state.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Running in the rain was my most difficult obstacle. I couldn't do it to save my life. It stopped me from making finals my junior year and a year later I won state in nearly the same condition.s. I think all the rain and cold weather we received in Tallahassee during the regular season gave us an advantage.
What will you miss the most?
Hands down I will miss my teammates and the stiff competition at bigger meets, but most of all my closest teammate and best friend Abraham Barnes.
What advice would you give to younger athletes?
Trust your training. Use your downfalls as motivation. Train hard so you won't have to put yourself in a situation to where you'd have a downfall.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
I believe my consistency this year has had a lot to do with my coaches respect for my performance, I wanted to go undefeated headed into the FSU Relays until I realized that I'm better than what I was giving myself credit for. Then I wanted to end my senior year undefeated which I did. My times dropped every single meet other than the FSU Relays which I still won.
What are your college plans?
I am undecided, but my coach and I are working furiously on it.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I'd like to thank my hurdle coach, Coach Christie, for giving me a second chance my freshman year because I gave her a hard time in regards to learning how to hurdle. I'd also like to thank Coach Gowan because he's the one writing these workouts no matter how much life they took from me in the end it all paid off,. Coach Acree our only sprint coach, he went above and beyond with our 4x4. We didn't run as well as we should have ran at state but because of him we made it and I was able to share a familiar experience with two friends that had never been to state and didn't make it this year in an individual event. Last and certainly not least my teammates and the parent. They'd always make the most noise. They were huge on supporting us during the 4x4. They'd spread around the track and every 10 meters you'd hear someone screaming your name.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Running for Chiles has been a humbling experience. We hadn't won a state title in 11 years and I'm honored to have competed with four other guys from my team and to do what we thought was impossible with only five people. My freshman year track was just a sport to me, now its life.
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Do you know a class of 2014 track and field or cross country athlete? We'd like to salute them! Have them answer the following questions plus send 2-3 photos (can not be from another website or publication) to Todd.Grasley@flocasts.com.
