What was your most memorable race/moment?
My most memorable race moment was this year at the Jesse Forbes Invitational during the 4x400, holding off one of the fastest (and taller) runners in Christian Philpott (North Florida Christian). It was shock and awe coming down the home stretch. I’s something I’ll never forget.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
My biggest competition over the last four years would be Cecil Robinson of Florida High and Javarious Johnson of East Gadsden. Running against them over the years in the 4x800, then moving to their race in the 400 this year pushed me even more.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment was advancing to state my senior year after the last two times we were denied at regionals.
My greatest accomplishment was advancing to state my senior year after the last two times we were denied at regionals.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
If I could do it all over again, I wish I had focused on the 400 after my 10th grade year. I dropped from a 58 two years ago to a 50.43 this year and had I focused on that race more, that time would’ve been a lot lower.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?The biggest obstacle I had to overcome was the when my mom moved down south to take care of my grandmother and the decision to stay in Tallahassee and run and finish out my senior year. Having my mom(and #1 support system) miss out on the best season I could ever have was really tough, but that helped me push myself to be stronger.
What will you miss the most?
One thing I will miss is my team. Whether we were cracking jokes in practice or getting the coaches dance in the parking lot, we always bonded like family, and I’ll never forget that.
What advice would you give to younger athletes?
To the younger athletes, just do your best and stay committed. Set a goal and keep pushing for that goal until you reach it and don’t ever look back.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
He always influenced me to never quit no matter what I did and helped me to let others know that you will always improve as long as you work hard.
What are your college plans?
My college plan is to attend Columbia International University in Columbia, South Carolina, and I will be majoring in Communications. I will also be running cross country and track, which they just added to the school this year.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would like to say thank you to my mother for letting me be able to run this year and supporting me through the hard times we endured and that I hoped I made her the proudest mother ever.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Also, shout out to Nailah, DeDe, Asia, Melody, and my 4x400 and 4x800 teammates. You guys were my inspiration (and MVP’s) this season and you were there for me when I had those tough days and I didn’t want to be at the track. I’m glad I was able to be your captain this year. I love you guys from the bottom of my heart!
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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.