Flrunners.com: What was your most memorable race/moment?
Jan Figueroa: To me, the last 3 races of Cross Country season were the most memorable. From placing Top 10 at States in 4A, to making new friends at the FACA All Star meet, to performing well at Foot Locker to cap my senior year off.
FLR: Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
JF: Over my 4 years, anyone from my conference has been my biggest competition. SAC has always been competitive every year and there was always someone there to push me. Guys like Josh, Jordan, Andrew, John, Joel, Bryce, and other guys always competed and brought the best out of me. Also guys that graduated such as Christian, Ryan, Chris, and other graduates as well. Every time someone graduated, someone new would come along, and that is what I loved about SAC.
FLR: What was your greatest accomplishment?
JF: I would say my greatest accomplishment has been this past Cross Country season. Being able to make it out of my district and out of the "Region of Death" (4A Region 1) individually is an accomplishment in itself. But then being able to show up at the state meet, perform well, and come out with a podium finish was definitely an amazing feeling and one of my greatest accomplishments.
FLR: If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
JF: Honestly, I would not change a thing if I could do it all over again. I am happy with the way my high school running career turned out to be. I had a lot of fun over the last 4 years and to me that's what it is all about. Yes, it feels good to win, break records, and run fast times, but ultimately if you're not having fun and enjoying it all what are you even doing?
FLR: What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
JF: Some of the most difficult obstacles I had to overcome were having to train by myself and having a different track coach every year.
FLR: What will you miss the most?
JF: Going out there and competing for my school is definitely one of the things I will miss most. Besides that I will miss the memories I made and all the great people I've met over the last 4 years from athletes to parents to other coaches as well.
FLR: What advice you would give to younger athletes?
JF: I would advise younger athletes to work hard every day, set goals, and go accomplish these goals. Always trust your coach, your training, and yourself, if you do those 3 things anything is possible. Also, the most important thing, enjoy your high school days because they fly by.
FLR: What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
JF: My coach has had a huge influence on my life outside of running. I have a lot to thank him for and will definitely miss that guy a lot next year.
FLR: What are your college plans?
I plan to attend Florida Gulf Coast University to major in civil engineering and continue my running career.
JF: Who would you like to say thank you to?
FLR: There are so many people I could thank, but I would just like to thank my parents and family members for always being there, my coaches for guiding me through the years, and all my friends who showed their support.
JF: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
FLR: I just want to say I love John, Joel, and Andrew. Sacboyz for life!!! Also, I want to give a shout out to the best running squad out there, FACA Gang!!! But on a serious note, to all the great people I've met through this sport, I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors and can't wait to hear about everyone's success. Love you all. #HaaaaaaBoolinnnn
