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?
At first, winning the Palm Beach County CC Championship as a freshman and breaking 20 for the first time with a 19:46. Plus, leading my team to victory. More recently, it was winning my first regional title in cross country on my 18th birthday in 4A-3 with 19:09 by 38 seconds. I even had 'Happy Birthday' sung to me at two miles from the crowd led by my mom. My teammates also shouted it out when I got my ribbon.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
I can't say any one person, but I had some great competition from the following girls over the years: Meredith Anderson, Michelle Howell, Ellyn Snider, Kaley Doyle, Morgan Hull, Bethany Hardcastle, Annie Allmark, and the St. Thomas Aquinas girls (especially when they were in my region).
What was your greatest accomplishment?
Picking up 44 individual wins during my time at JHS and placing 7th at states in the 3200 my freshman year.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I would have liked to have been injured less, but I learned some valuable life lessons because of my injuries. I learned to never give up, the importance of cross-training, and how to recover well.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Injuries: After being fine freshman year, I suffered injuries three of the next four seasons. My sophomore cross country season I fractured my right pelvic growth plate. I felt an uncomfortable shift just over two miles in a race & a stinging pain with 300m left. My junior cross country season was a mess. After a weird start it ended with a metatarsal sprain in my left foot. In my junior track season I strained my right hamstring in a 4x8 that put me out for two months. I got things mostly back together my senior year, but unfortunately was clipped at the break (there was no marshall) in the district mile and went down hard, slamming my left side and knocking my left pelvis out of place. I did finish my track season, but the loss of fitness adversely affected my performances.I am doing fine now and I'm currently training for college.
What will you miss the most?
All the friends I've met. Meeting people that share the same passion I do for running is always a pleasure!
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
Be smart, stay healthy, and have fun! Also, senior year goes by really fast!
What are your college plans?
I'm running for UNF, but I'm undecided on my major as of right now. I am leaning towards mathematics though.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
My parents. Mom, for her knowledge of running and also coaching me this past year. Dad, for all the pictures and buying me shoes. My friends I've made through running that have helped me along the way. You know who you are! All the awesome people I've had the honor to meet. Also Todd and Jason too for the hard work they put in for this site!
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Swoop-Swoop! See y’all at track states!
Seniors, don't be left out! Submit your Salute to Seniors answers to Todd.Grasley@flosports.tv and be featured on the site!
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