Salute To Seniors: Alexis Jackson - Creekside High School



What was your most memorable race/moment?
 
For cross country my most memorable race was when we won districts this year. For track, it was definitely this year at region when we won our first ever Region Championship. Being able to contribute to the win in the 800 and 4x800 made it even more satisfying. 
 
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
 
The St. Johns County area is filled with a lot of talented runners so there was always some good competition at any of our local meets, especially Nease and Bartram Trail. 
 
What was your greatest accomplishment?
 
My greatest accomplishment was achieved this year in the 800 at the state meet. Going into the season with a 2:28 PR I wasn’t really sure if I could even advance to regional. When I placed 7th at state with a school record and new personal best of 2:20 it was even more awesome.
 
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
 
I would have focused more on running my freshman and sophomore year.
 
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
 
My junior year I got a stress fracture so letting my body heal while trying to stay in good physical shape was a huge challenge. Both myself and my teammate Colleen Openshaw had a stress fracture at the time so she helped me stay sane during the hours of water-running we endured. 
 
What will you miss the most?
 
I will without a doubt miss my teammates the most. The post long run breakfasts, the trail runs that turned into a maze trying to get out, and of course the never ending track meets have been made up of the amazing people I get to call my teammates. The friendships I have made will be the hardest thing to leave behind.

 
What advice would you give to younger athletes?
 
Don’t ever give up. If you have never experienced the pain of regret after a race I can promise you it is 100 times greater than the pain you will feel of giving all you can and not leaving anything left on the track or cross country course. My race at Katie Caples this year, I can still remember the very moment when I gave up. Believe me when I say you don’t want to have that memory in your head. Always give 100% and you can reach whatever goal you have.
 
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
 
I have been lucky enough to be coached by some of the best coaches there are. My success in the 800 this year was directly correlated to my sprinting training with Coach Fields and Coach Helmly. It’s not normal for distance runners to train with the sprinters, but these two made me feel like I had always been a part of the sprinting family. Even though I was not the fastest (or even close) they always pushed me to put my best effort in. Coach Frank and Coach Gooding were my cross country and distance track coaches. These two believed in me more than I ever believed in myself. They always told me to be happy but never satisfied with my performance. I contribute a great deal of my successes to them, in and outside of running. They continually pushed me to be the best person I could be in all aspects of my life and without them I would not be the person I am today.
 
What are your college plans?
 
I will be attending Florida State University in the fall where I plan to walk-on to the cross country/track team.
 
Who would you like to say thank you to?
 
I want to say thank you to everyone who has ever came and supported Creekside cross country and Creekside track and field and to all my teammates and coaches who have made these past four years unforgettable!
 

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Do you know a class of 2014 track and field or cross country athlete? We'd like to salute them! Have them answer the following questions plus send 2-3 photos (can not be from another website or publication) to Todd.Grasley@flocasts.com.