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 moment was when I ran my heart out during the 4 X 100 relay in Miami at South Ridge High School. I was the first leg on the 4 X 100 and I broke stagger really quick and I was able to give the second leg (Brian Oliver) a big lead in the race. We kept the lead all the way to third leg and then we lost the lead going into the forth leg because he didn’t get out his first five steps.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
Over the past four years my biggest competition was and still is the clock. When you run against the clock it’s like running against the perfect opponent. I never win, but each time I race I get better and closer to realizing my full potential. The clock is the “perfect opponent”, because the clock is always against me; it’s never on my side. The clock does not get tired, the clock does not catch cramps, and the clock does not have bad days. It pushes me to run my fastest every time.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment was when I finally hit my first 10.8 in the 100 meter dash. This was a great accomplishment because for three years I had to battle constant hamstring injuries throughout my track season. I thought it would be impossible for me to get in the 10s due to multiple hamstring injuries. Then, with physical therapy, rest, and proper technique my legs finally healed and I was able to run a 10.8.
If you could do it over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I wouldn’t change anything about my running career in high school because I went through everything for a reason. In the end, the person I became was more valuable than my high school running career.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most difficult obstacle I had to overcome was recovering from back-to-back hamstring injuries.
What will you miss most?
I will miss the track team the most despite all the adversity that we had to overcome because we are a family with an unbreakable bond.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
The advice I give to younger athletes is no matter what you do in life be phenomenal otherwise you will be forgotten.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
My coach (coach Bellamy) has influenced my performance by making sure I train smart with a comprehensive warm up and stretching, consistent weight training, achieve explosive starts, work on speed endurance so I can improve my overall speed. Coach Bellamy has taught me to take responsibility for my actions and to treat my teammates with the same respect I treat my family members. He provided a great model for me to follow because he was always respectful towards me.
What are your college plans?
My college plans are to play football and run track for Methodist University.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would like to first give thanks to God who has brought me this far in my life. Also, I would like to thank my family and support system; my mom and dad who bought me everything I needed, plus more. In addition, I would like to thank my “track family,” Coach Bellamy, Jontue, Brian, and Jemarruse for helping me with running faster and giving me advice.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Running track has allowed be to remain healthy, improve as an athlete, and develop my leadership ability. I feel blessed to have had this opportunity in high school.
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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