Flrunners.com: What was your most memorable race/moment?
George Escobar: Individually speaking, my most memorable race was the 800m at the River City Distance Carnival, where I ran my PR of 1:55.53. My proudest moment overall though was when the 4x800 squad of myself, George Gwynn, Jake Mazziotta, and Steven Simpkins ran 8:07 and won state in 2015.
FLR: Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
GE: I'd say it was the friendly competition I had in practice with my teammates. During cross-country season, Daniel Becker and Aneesh Rahangdale pushed me to my limits, and during track seasons, Steven Simpkins and George Gwynn were always right ahead or right beside me, and they pushed me to my limits.
FLR: What was your greatest accomplishment?
GE: My biggest accomplishment was being a part of the state champion 4x800 and 4x400 squads in 2015. We all trained so hard all season long and putting it all together and standing on the top podium together twice was really a dream come true!
FLR: If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
GE: I'm happy with the way things played out and I learned from my inevitable bad races and slumps, so there's nothing that I would change.
FLR: What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
GE: Cross country season. I had fun competing for the last varsity spots, but I really suffered through every bit of the training, and found out the hard way that I am by no means a natural long distance runner. Luckily, those cross country seasons paid big dividends later in track season.
FLR: What will you miss the most?
GE: I will really miss racing, practicing, and hanging out with my team. More than anything though I will miss Coach Drozes legendary t-shirts, and the famous 10 rules for the Maclay track team.
FLR: What advice you would give to younger athletes?
GE: I would tell them to just enjoy the sport and have fun with it.
FLR: What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
GE: Coach Droze has been a phenomenal coach and I always seemed to improve under his coaching. He's also helped me to see the positive in things and look more lightheartedly at life in general.
FLR: What are your college plans?
GE: I will attend the University of North Florida in the fall and will run for their track team, alongside my cousin Rob Leverone and many others.
FLR: Who would you like to say thank you to?
GE: I'd like to thank my uncle, Lee Willis, for spurring my interest in track and for being a funny yet solid role model, along with my aunt Breeda Willis, for letting me join in on their training groups in Wisconsin the past few summers. Also, thanks to Coach Droze for being a great coach, and for introducing the team to the movie Airplane.
FLR: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
GE: I'd like to give a big shout-out to the Sexy Six + Curtis squad, and to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Boys, it's been real.
