What was your most memorable race?
I loved the Florida Relays my junior year. It was a spontaneous thing for me to do. A volunteer coach, Sigmund, at my school suggested that I do it for some competition. 
Besides the state series the years before, it’s the only other big time meet I had done. I ended up getting a PR by 8 seconds in the 1600, with a 5:00.94. I feel like that race changed a lot for me, since it got me talking to the UF coach, Coach Spangler.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
The state track meet this year was the biggest anticipation build up I’ve ever had. It was what I had been working for and it was my last shot! I knew that I had a shot to win it, and came pretty close- .19 seconds. My freshman year I never even imagined in my wildest dreams that I would even qualify for state so it was a rewarding way to end my high school career.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I wouldn’t change anything. Of course there are some races I would re-run, but all in all I’m really happy with how I got better every year and hopefully will in the years to come.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
I did a lot of running on my own, which is hard, especially waking up early in the morning to do it. I never had one set coach in high school either, which was a problem and a blessing. I had a lot of advice and I just had to combine it myself.
What will you miss the most?
I’ll miss my team, my hometown, and the friends that I’ve made. I’ll miss running past the baseball team everyday with my girls and running on lakeview with the guys. I’ll miss the Sunday morning long runs with my mom biking right next to me.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
Don’t wait to start working hard. I didn’t get serious until my junior year and I wish I had dedicated myself earlier. Don’t be afraid to get out there and know that you’re not going to win. It’s the races that I have lost that have been my greatest memories.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
It’s wonderful because I’ve had multiple coaches that have helped and inspired me. 
My freshman year Jeff Shoemaker coached cross country and Josh Miller coached track. My sophomore through my senior year Krista Schult coached cross country and she’s the one who really inspired me to get serious. My sophomore track Krista coached, my junior track Christopher Cook, and my senior track Renee Marin. I had advice from Paul Spangler, and my neighbor Chet Brojek was probably the most instrumental in my success on the track. They have all contributed to me in some way and I’m thankful that I was exposed to so many different training approaches.
What are your college plans?
I am signed to run cross country and track for the Gators this coming fall. I plan on majoring in business and history as a dual major and running fast to hopefully score points for the team!
Who would you like to say thank you to?
All of the coaches I listed above, of course. I also appreciate everything my parents have done for me, as well as the ever inspiring advice from my little brother Ben Tubbs, “Just run faster!”
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Running is great in the sense that I’m friends with my competitors, but they’re still just that. competitors. Everyone is so encouraging, and I love the friends that I’ve been able to make.
More Coverage
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 2013 on all their hard work and success.
