Trevor Foley is the reigning 2A state champion in the 1,600m with a personal best of 4:18.98, but if a recent 3,200m time trial is any indication of his status heading into the 2017 season, he has his eyes set on the double. Foley, who recently transferred to 1A Citrus Park Christian, conquered the eight laps in 9:12, which would be the second fastest returning time regardless of class behind only FSU signee Caleb Pottorff, and a 25 second PR from his time at FSU Relays last year. He says the time validates everything he and his coach are working on.
"I was little worried about not doing any speed for a while, but he just said "trust the process, strength is what we need". So showing I could negative split a 9:12 and it felt pretty easy up until the last 700 was a great sign!"
The switch to 1A also has it's advantages for Foley with Noah Perkins graduating, Foley quickly becomes the favorite in both the 1,600 and 3,200m. The junior credits his growth to Coach Ray Friedman who spent the fall as an assistant coach for the girl's 4A cross country championship team at Steinbrenner High School.
"Coach Ray has helped tremendously with different training aspects and seeing what training works best for me. He's really big on doing a lot of strength work meaning like tempos and long fartleks, and staying off the track and not even touching speed work."
Foley adds that Friedman's belief in him also helps, because he says that's what he had been lacking without a coach. With the foundation set for him, he is looking forward to what this year has in store.
"I want to run 4:08 and 8:55 and pop a fast 800 in there somewhere, and then hopefully triple at states. I just want to stay healthy and give the honor to the Lord."
His first official race will be this Saturday at the Embry Riddle Challenge in Daytona Beach.
