The 2014-2015 school year has provided some great highlights in both cross country and track across the Sunshine State. In the coming weeks many of our seniors will head out to start their college careers both athletically and academically. We wanted to salute them one more time in this special feature and say thank you for your support over the years.
What was your most memorable race/moment?
My most memorable race moment was being able to drop into the low 21's and PR by almost 30 seconds.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over the years?
I'd consider myself my biggest competitor. To me, running is very tough mentally, and to try and push through each race and fight with yourself when you know you want to give up is very hard and something I struggle with.
What was your great accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishments would be going to state my sophomore year because we all worked so hard as a team to get there and also signing with a division II school to further my running career.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
If I could go back and change one thing it would be to focus more on cross training such as swimming and biking I think swimming really helps because you use muscles you do not use while running.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most difficult obstacle I've ever had to overcome would be my mentality when it comes to running. Trying to stay positive and trust my training was something I really struggled with my senior year. Also getting up at 4:45 am before school to train was very draining on my body but I knew the work had to be put in.
What will you miss the most?
I'll miss my coach the most, knowing how much time and effort he has put into my life, not even just running, with everything I've been through he was there. I'll miss him yelling on the side lines when it hurts and just our runs that we have together are always a blast.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
For the younger athletes I'd tell them to never stop trying. If your goal doesn't seem achievable that doesn't mean you can sit around and give up. You have to have a positive mind set and most import trust your training.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
My coach taught me to have a passion for running and to keep trying even when I fail because you can always stand back up and keep going.
What are your college plans?
In the fall ill be attending Saint Leo University where I'll be on the women's cross country and track team. GO LIONS!
Who would you like to say thank you to?
A huge thank you and shout out to my parents because id be no where without them, thank you for coming to all of my meets and cheering me on in running and in life. I'd also like to give a huge thank you to my coach Robert Strong for teaching my everything there is to life, and telling me never ever to give up and for being my friend who I can always count on. And lastly, huge thank you to his wife Sara Strong who pushed me in every workout before the sun even came up and always been there for me and guiding me in the right path.
Seniors, don't be left out! Submit your Salute to Seniors answers to Todd.Grasley@flosports.tv and be featured on the site!