Salute To Seniors: Courtland Bernard - Sarasota High School

What was your most memorable race?

My most memorable race was the 3200m at FSU this past track season.  The competition was great and I left that weekend with 2 PRs and the long anticipated 3200m school record.

 

What was your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment without a doubt would be breaking the 3200m record with a 9:31. 

 

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

I’m glad to say I have no regrets.

 

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
 

I lost my older brother mid track season last year. It was sudden and unexpected, as death usually is. It was very difficult to carry on through my season but I had a lot of support and I made it through.

 

What will you miss the most?
 

I will miss being anywhere near the top of this sport. Next year I face much heavier competition as a DI athlete. It will take a lot of work, but I will keep on climbing.

 

What advice you would give to younger athletes?

Work hard and don’t ever lose focus. You will be told that “missing one run won’t hurt you.” It’s true, missing one run won’t ruin you, but it’s a dangerous mindset. If you allow yourself to slip into that mindset, you will miss workouts when they are not convenient for you. Stay in the mindset that every mile counts and always remember that champions are made because they put in the work when nobody else wanted to.

 

What are your college plans?
 

I will be attending the Florida Gulf Coast University where I plan to study medicine.

 

Who would you like to say thank you to?

 

I would like to thank my mom for being my biggest fan, Marissa for understanding my obsessive dedication, Alan King for going above and beyond in every way he could, Mendenhall and Stevenson for dedicating themselves to make sure we are the best we can be, and my teammates for their dedication.

 

 

 

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.