Salute To Seniors: James Sahagian - Cardinal Gibbons

What was your most memorable race/moment?

 

I'd have to say my most memorable race was my eighth grade year I ran on the varsity cross country team and we qualified for the state meet. I set a new personal best with a 17:42 and finished as the top ranked eighth grader in the state.

 

Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?

My biggest competition has always been my teammates. Throughout the years they have pushed me in every practice and every race to do the best I could.

 

What was your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment I think was finishing as the top eighth grader in the state for cross country or getting fourth in the middle school state championship meet in the 3000m race with a 9:55.

 

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

Well during summer training leading up to my freshman season, I suffered a stress bone fracture in my bottom vertebrae. I would definitely want to have been able to go back and stop that from happening to me.

 

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?

The most difficult obstacle I had to overcome was realizing that everyone I used to be faster than, or competing with was getting faster, while I never improved. That was a big blow to my confidence for years and was probably the toughest part of my career I had to deal with.

 

What will you miss the most?

 

No doubt my teammates. These guys have become a second family to me, and seeing them improve to where we finished this year makes me so proud of them. They have become some of my best friends and I know they'll kick butt next season. Just a heads up: keep and eye out for McKenna Lasher and Jake Roberts They're going to kill it next fall!

 

What advice would you give to younger athletes?

Never finish a race knowing you didn't give it your all, you'll always end up feeling disappointed with your performances. Go out and race with a clear mind and no worries and the racing will be a lot easier for you.

 

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

Well I transferred from Pine Crest High School to Cardinal Gibbons High School my sophomore year after two seasons with them. All the coaches I've had over the last five years at both schools have had a huge impact on my career. They have been some of my biggest supporters and mentors and I'll always be thankful for what they've done. Special shoutout to my former coach, Doug Nowlin, for being the best role model I could ask for.

 

What are your college plans?

I will be attending Saint Leo University in the fall looking to major in sports business and I'm planning on walking on to their cross country and track team.

 

Who would you like to say thank you to?

I want to say thank you to my biggest cheerleader: my dad. Since the day I started running he has been not only my biggest fan, but my truest criticizer. I don't know a parent like him who's driven to as many cross country and track meets as he has. He has been with me through all my success and struggles and I could never thank him enough for all he has done for me. Thanks dad for everything. I love you.

 

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

I want to say thank you again to everyone who has ever had an impact on my running career. You guys are all the best! Best of luck to Cardinal Gibbons next season and I hope you guys punch that ticket to states you've so badly wanted the last two seasons!