Salute To Seniors: Daniel Moore - Holy Trinity

Salute To Seniors: Daniel Moore - Holy Trinity
 

What was your most memorable race?

Well, the state track meet my senior year was my favorite. First I gave Gousse a nice little scare in the 1600 (still waiting on a slow mo replay of that finish) and came back and went 1-2 with Joey Castagnaro in the 3200. That was a dream. The most life changing was Great American.

What would you consider your biggest competition?

My toughest competitors, I’d have to say Ryan Gousse, Daniel Salas, Andres Arroyo and Elliot Clemente. I love them all though. If this is asking what is the most competitive, definitely the state meet for cross and track. Trinity Prep is good and many times not very fun to race against. Little known fact: 1A had the fastest top 3 in the 1600 and 3200’s of all classes.

Out of all of your high school accomplishments which stands out the most?

People like talking about Great American so I guess that stands out. The team titles are the biggest deal for me so they stand out more than anything.

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

I’m glad with what I’ve learned through my mistakes, but honestly, there’s a lot I would change. I wouldn’t have been so foolish and would have just listened to Coach Butler. I would’ve started running in 7th grade (I started in 8th). I’m not sure if I’m allowed to do this, but I would’ve won state in cross and made it to NXN. I really should’ve done both of those things because, honestly, I didn’t learn all that much from it other than the fact that I was humbled even though I should have stayed humble without losing, Oh well. Overall, I’m very pleased with my high school career.

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?

I was injured basically every track season except my senior year which always seemed to ruin things. Other than that, I was very fortunate and very blessed.

What will you miss the most?

My teammates, even the girls team, Coach Butler, the Holy Trinity fans at every race, state, the Brevard County distance community, all the friends I’ve made through running especially my DP girls, the Trinity brothers from Winter Park and the Colonial squad from camp and of course getting articles on Flrunners.

Do you have any advice for younger athletes? 

Study the sport, but don’t be too obsessed with stats. I ran a 24:10 5k in 8th grade after an entire summer of training. Smart, hard work can do amazing things. Make sacrifices but don’t let running be the most important thing in your life. Enjoy competing, you won’t be able to do it forever.
Don’t be afraid to run some miles. Everyone is scared to run too much because they think college coaches won’t recruit you if you run “too much.” The truth is, if you don’t run fast enough, coaches won’t recruit you. I was doing 70-85 miles before my senior year. Obviously, be smart and work up to it. Work hard and be kind to competitors. Stay humble and Stay hungry.


What are your college plans?

I plan on attending Duke University.

Who would you like to say thank you to?

I’m starting to realize how irrational it is to be boastful of natural talent. Anything you were born with is simply a gift from God and I’m so thankful that I have been blessed with a sliver of talent. There are many people that are more talented than me but not all of them train under Coach Butler. The man has made 6 or 6:30 practice every morning seem like a good idea. He has created an environment where hard work seemed like my only option and I’m so thankful for that, along with his great training and reliable love and support. Also thanks to the my parents, I don’t even understand how much I should thank you. I love you. Thanks to anyone who supported me, young and old, I love you all. Teammates, thanks for dealing with me and pushing me and never making any run boring, I’m gonna miss you guys.
 
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Want to be featured in our Salute To Seniors series? Drop me a line: TGrasley@milesplit.com and answer the questions above! Congratulations to the class of 2012 on all their hard work and success.