Ever since Hugh Graham Jr. was six years old he has been running non-stop and, unlike most two sport athletes, the Northwestern senior’s main priority lies on the track. And while Graham is one of the top 400 meter runners in the country, at one time it wasn't an event he particularly enjoyed.
“As I got a little older I was really just a 100 and 200 guy for quite some time. I hated the 400. Then when I got to Northwestern in 9th grade, my coaches told me I run like I’m built for the 400 and ever since then I've grown to love it. Now you can’t keep my away from it. It’s my race.”
It’s that love and passion for the 400 that has resulted in four state championships for Graham. The senior won an individual title in the 400 last season and his 4x400 relay team has struck gold the past three consecutive years. He credits his workouts for preparing him with different phases of the race.
“I like that the 400 isn’t just an all-out sprint. You must have some type of strategy, and mine has worked just fine. My workouts consist of things like 450's, 350's, 300's, 250's, and 150's depending on what we're working on.”
Graham’s 46.82 set at last year’s New Balance Nationals ranks as the 7th fastest time of 2010. Being ranked as one of the top runners in the nation in that event is an accomplishment he is grateful for.
“To be one of the top 400 runners in the country feels great. I always imagined it in my head but I really didn’t see it coming true but all my hard work has caught up and really paid off. Coming in this year as the top dog in my event, I feel that I have to live up to it. I must have a great year.”
With success comes added pressure and a target on your back. Graham knows the competition is out there and what he has to do to repeat as champion.
“Just because I won last year doesn’t mean anything. I came back training this year working even harder because I want another title and I plan on going under 46 seconds. I know in class 4A Arman Hall returns and he's most likely going to be my toughest competition. I’m looking forward to it because I know he'll bring the best out of me like last year.”
Graham, who will run for the University of Florida next season, chose the Gators over offers from Texas A&M, Mississippi State, and LSU. How do you get to be one of top 400 meter runners in the country? He breaks down his strengths and weaknesses.
“My strengths would have to be my start and finish in the race. I always try to get out real hard and finish really strong. Something I’m kind of weak is with my foot speed. I want to work on quickness. I have a pretty long stride so i feel that it’s essential that I quicken it, and doing short quick sprints will definitely help.”
This season, he hopes to continue to bring pride back to the 305 and a storied program like Miami Northwestern.
“Growing up before I got to high school, I watched a lot of great athletes at Northwestern and now this year I want to leave as one of the best ever to come through "Da West" It’s a great feeling to wear Miami Northwestern across my chest because of all the history it has. It feels great to be a Bull.
Getting To Know Hugh Graham Jr.
When you were a kid who did you want to be when you grew up? “When I was a kid I admired randy Moss and Michael Johnson. Michael Johnson was like the face of track and field. I just loved how fast he was and it made me want to be the same. I admired how Randy moss always bombed defenders.”
Name some things people might not know about you? “Some people may not know that I’m number five of eight kids. It’s pretty cool and fun there is always someone to be around and talk to.”
What is the funniest prank you've had played on your or played on someone else? “One of the biggest pranks played on me was my 10th grade year. I was anxiously waiting for my FCAT scores. My teacher read my results and told me I failed. I was beyond depressed, then about 20 minutes later she handed me my paper and told me I passed, that was crazy.”
Name three exotic countries you’d like to visit and why? “I would like to visit Africa because it’s where our ancestors are originally from, also China because I want to see the place where almost everything is made from. Finally I'd like to visit Jamaica because I’m part Jamaican and I’ve never really had a chance to see what it was like.”
Final thoughts: “Look for great things from Hugh Graham this year. I want to thank my parents Hugh Graham Sr. and Sandra Graham for all of my success. They play a huge role in everything I do. My father has been my motivator. He does so much. I can’t do anything but make him and my mom happy, they're my everything. Also, thanks to all of my coaches, they've gotten me where I am today.”
