Salute To Seniors: DeAndre' Petty - Andrew Jackson High School


The 2015-2016 school year has provided some great highlights in both cross country and track across the Sunshine State. In the coming weeks many of our seniors will head out to start their college careers both athletically and academically. We wanted to salute them one more time in this special feature and say thank you for your support over the years.

Flrunners.com: What was your most memorable race/moment?

DP: My most memorable race would have to be Gateway Conference my junior year in the 800. It was my first time winning conference & breaking two minutes so it was a great race that I will never forget.

FLR: Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?

DP: My biggest competition would have to be Sem Sultanov from Mandarin. We've been battling back & forth at conference since 10th grade & I know when I race him I will always have to give it my best.

FLR: What was your greatest accomplishment?

DP: My greatest accomplishment would have to be winning state this year. Even though I didn't PR my final season goal was to win stay & to actually say I did is amazing.

FLR: If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?

DP: I would have started XC in 9th grade instead of 10th to have built up endurance earlier in my high school career 

FLR: What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?

DP: One of the most difficult things I had to overcome  would most definitely have to be mental toughness & self doubt. Being a mid distance running you have to be more strong mentally than physically.

FLR: What will you miss the most?

DP: The atmosphere of certain meets such as the Bob Hayes Invitational & some athletes that I've been competing against & growing with since 9th/10th grade is what I will miss most. The end has been very bittersweet.

FLR: What advice you would give to younger athletes?

DP: Train harder & faster than you want to preform. Stay humble but confident & you get out what you put in.

FLR: What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?

DP: My Coach has been a major influence on my performance. He has always told me that you are faster than what you think you are. 

FLR: What are your college plans?

DP: I will be attending Bethune Cookman University in the fall.

FLR: Who would you like to say thank you to?

DP: I would like to thank God first for giving me this gift & incredible mindset to stay dedicated. I would like to thank my mom & all family & friends who have supported me. Finally I would like to thank my legendary brothers Dj & Don for being such great teammates & always pushing me to give everything my best.

FLR: Is there anything else you'd like to add?

DP: Follow me on Insta @_legendary_petty & twitter @legendary_petty & watch out for me on the next level.


Seniors, don't be left out! Submit your Salute to Seniors answers to Todd.Grasley@flosports.tv and be featured on the site!

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