Oviedo senior Tyson Harper finished 33rd at last year's 4A Cross Country Finals. Learn more about Harper and the Lion's quest to make the podium in our Spotlight Athlete Feature.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I started running when I was a kid because my brother liked to take me on runs occasionally and I looked up to him a lot. Although I've been running for such a long time, I wouldn't say that I started getting serious about it until track season of my sophomore year.
Do you remember your first real race?
Not exactly. Like I said, I wasn't very serious about the sport and didn't love it as much as I do now. I remember every single race I've had since the start of my junior year though!
How is your summer training going?
My summer training can be summed up pretty easily: consistent, healthy, and fun! I wanted to make sure I was running consistently, staying healthy to avoid injuries, and most importantly- having fun and enjoying the thing I love most.
What was your 2016 XC season like?
The 2016 season was MUCH different than any other season. Our 2015 varsity team consisted of all seniors and one sophomore (Shoutout to Ethan Fields!). Also, we had a new head coach to adapt to, coach Paul Brown. A lot of things were changing for us and we were a total underdog. Nobody expected us to have the season that had. Our team did an amazing job overall and I'm so proud of them. Personally, the 2016 season changed everything for me. I was rapidly improving, starting the season off with 17:27 and ending it with 16:03. The season gave me an extreme amount of momentum to go into the track season and I'm still carrying that momentum going into the 2017 season.
What is your favorite workout?
My favorite workout by far is 5 mile repeats. We did it mid season last year and it was brutal! But there is no better feeling to me than being in pain and far out of my comfort zone, it makes me feel like I really accomplished something
Which meets will you be running in this year?
We will be opening with the Mike Gibson Summertime Run (be sure to look at the results) and doing various meets such as the Jim Ryun Invite and Disney Cross Country Classic.
Do you have a favorite course? What do you think is the toughest course in the state?
My favorite course so far was at the 4AR1 meet at Sante Fe College in Gainesville.
Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most?
In cross country, I'm most proud of my performance at the region meet. This is where I ran my PR in the 2016 season with a time of 16:03 to finish in 5th. In track, I'm most proud of how I performed at the conference meet (Seminole athletic conference). I swept both the 1600 and 3200 with a big PR in the 1600.
What are your goals for the upcoming cross country season?
My goal for the 2017 cross country season is to run sub 15:15 by regionals.
What do you love most about running?
There's too many things I love about running to be able to chose one! I love being able to lead my team and bond with them everyday. I love the feeling of being in so much pain yet feeling so accomplished. I love getting to race and see how well I can compete under pressure. I love the feeling of getting a new PR. I love how friendly all of the competition is and that we talk to each other before and after our races. There's so much I love about this sport!
The Low Down
Do you have a favorite quote?
A few of them in fact! "Fear kills more dreams than failure." "Opportunity over obligation."
Do you have any pre-race rituals or routines?
I pray before all of my races.
What is your favorite food?
Sandwiches! Any kind of sandwich. I make bagel sandwiches, ham sandwiches, PB&J sandwiches. I love sandwiches
What was the last movie you saw and what did you think of it?
I recently saw Spider-Man: Homecoming with my girlfriend (shoutout to Abby Wildgen she's the best) and I tell everyone it was really good but I actually fell asleep for the first 20 minutes and was a little confused for the rest of the movie
What brand of shoes do you train/race in?
I currently train in the Mizuno Wave Rider 20 /
What professional athlete would you like to meet the most?
I've always imagined myself going bowling with King Chez.
What are somethings most people don't know about you?
Freshman year, I accidentally ran 7 laps instead of 8 in the 3200 at a Trinity Prep Invitational meet. I've tried getting it deleted from my Milesplit account but couldn't ever figure out how, plus trying to explain how it happened is always quite embarrassing!
Lastly, if you were stranded on an island with three things what would they be?
A loaf of bread, a jar of peanut butter and a jar of jelly.
