Salute To Seniors: Kaitlyn Campo - Olympia High School

What was your most memorable race?
 

My most memorable race was the FACA senior all-star race. My coach woke up extremely early and drove all the way to FSU to help me warm up and watch me run. When I somehow managed to run my best time that season he seemed more excited about it than even I was. Thanks Coach O. It was quite a nice way to end four years of cross county.

 

What was your greatest accomplishment?

 

My greatest accomplishment is being a part of a team that was metro, district, and regional champions in cross country. Then to top all that we got third at the state meet; the best state showing our school has ever seen in cross country. From not even making it to states freshman year to this kind of success, it's crazy to see how far we've come. I'm glad I was able to help as our team progressively got better each year. Now I can't wait to see how much better they're all going to do this year.

 

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?

 

Stress fractures. I really don't have to explain to a bunch of runners how difficult that is. My first ones came my junior year track season which completely ruined that. Then I got the pleasure of spending the entirety of my summer training  on a bike. I biked every day, sometimes twice, to make up for the 0 miles I ran that summer. Even though the start of my season was slightly discouraging to say the least and I wasn't quite able to PR, I ended up becoming 10th in the state that season. I was really proud of that, and being able to dip back into the 18s, considering the circumstances.

 

What will you miss the most:?
 

I will greatly miss my teammates. Running to the lake, accidental Yoda signs, star fruit, and the greatest rendition of Ice Ice Baby Brevard has ever heard. I could literally go on forever about this team and my coaches and how great they are, but its starting to make me sad so I'm going to go on ahead to the next question.

 

What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
 

Coach Williams and Coach O'Grattan have had such a positive influence on my life. They expected the best from me and the team not only on the track but in every other aspect as well. It was really great to have them both at the school as teachers. They were always there to either help with homework or talk to before we went outside to practice. Then theres also Coach Ryan who led me in my first half marathon and always had a way of making me feel like some kind of superstar when I ran with him. Finally, Coach Greer and all the track coaches taught us all to never underestimate ourselves.

 

What are your college plans?
 

I am moving onto the University of South Florida this fall. I can't wait to have a whole new team to get to know and I really can't wait to drop these times of mine some more. The plan is to study to become a doctor, possibly in the field of sports medicine.

 

Is there anyone you'd like to say thank you to?
 

Besides my coaches and team that Ive already mentioned, I'd like to thank my parents. They come to almost every race, no matter how far they are, or how long they are for that matter. My mom has made countless pans of ravioli for the pasta parties. They have purchased me so many pairs of shoes. They have participated in many car washes and fundraisers. All in all, my parents give me more support than I could ever ask for. Go Titans and go Bulls!

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