Fort Myers' standout Emily Edwards capped off her senior season with a state championship at the 3A Cross Country Finals. For her spectacular season, Edwards was awarded the Gatorade Florida Girls Cross Country Runner Of The Year. We caught up with Emily to talk about the 2013 season, what the award means to her, and what the future holds.
How would you sum up your senior cross country season?
I would describe this season as a roller coaster. It definitely had its ups and downs. I wasn't hitting the times I had wanted to in the beginning of the season, so I knew I was going to win some races and lose some races. I focused on experimenting with different racing strategies in order to find the best one come the state series. The goal was to sweep the series and I'm really happy that I was able to do that. It was the perfect way to finish off my senior season.
What does it mean to you to be named Gatorade Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year?
It is such an honor to be named the Gatorade Cross Country Runner of the Year! I have looked at the past winners of this title and to be in a group with them is such a great feeling. I look up to every single one of them as a person and as a runner. I'm even lucky enough to be on the same team as Olivia next year, which is exciting! Overall, it came as a surprise, but a very good one
Did you ever envision an honor like this when you first started running?
When I first started running, I joined simply because I loved to run. In 6th grade, I remember looking up to the top runners in the state in awe. I never imagined that I could actually be one of those girls, or the Gatorade Cross Country Runner of the year. It's been a great experience!
Next year at the University of Alabama you will be running with 2011 winner Olivia Ortiz and also Caroline Barlow who you raced a ton of times this season. What are you looking forward to about running for the Crimson Tide?
It is going to be great to be on the same team as Olivia and Caroline next year. We all are good friends and have competed against each other for years. To finally compete with each other instead is going to be a cool feeling!
The award takes into account athletics as well as academics and extra -curricular activities. You have over a 4.0 grade point average along with being active in the band, in addition to your running accolades. How important is it to you to be well rounded?
It has always been a goal of mine to be as well rounded as I possibly can. Therefore, academics and extracurricular activities are just as important to me as athletics. I see myself as having an athletic side, academic side, and a musical side, as I play the clarinet in the band. Versatility is always good in life, so that's what I strive for!
You are the defending state champion in the 1600 meters and come in with the top time in that event and the 3200 meters. What are your goals for 2014 and what would it mean to you to end your high school career with another track title or two.?
My goals for this year are to improve my times in all my events, placing the most focus on the 1600. I would love to end my high school career with a state title or two. Both titles that I have came with great experience and I would love to feel that again. Running in the Dream Mile is also a goal of mine!
