What was your most memorable race/moment?
My most memorable race was my last race; the FHSAA 4A Cross Country State Championship. I knew it was going to be one of (if not the) last race of my high school career and I wanted to make it one to remember.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
It felt like my team was always battling against Steinbrenner and Wharton runners, but personally I found my teammates to be my biggest competition (in a good way). We knew what each other were capable of and could play off each others strengths in a race to push each other.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment in racing was winning the first meet of my senior year season at the Jim Ryun Invitational because it was such a shock and major confidence booster. But my greatest accomplishment for the H.B. Plant Cross Country Team was being Captain beginning in my junior year because I feel it connected me with my teammates more and it gave my running an even greater purpose.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I would run less. Being out on injury for five weeks isn't worth one extra 6 mile run on your "day-off".
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Besides the hills, I struggled with anemia for three years of high school. I would treat it with iron supplements but I wouldn't be fully recovered from "going too low" for a month or so and it's mentally challenging to train when you have little energy.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss my coach (Roy Harrison) with his insights and humor and my teammates the most. I'm already planning on meeting up with the team on days I'm back in town from college.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
If you feel like taking off in a race or that "you have more in you", go for it. You are the best judge of what you are capable of and if that means passing the best Senior on your team, do it. You will regret not giving it your all later.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
There are four words that I never need to hear from Coach Harrison again because they have been permanently engrained in my psyche. "Stay on the grass!". Coach Harrison has truly developed me into the runner I am today with his emphasis on "running/resting to peak" and he has helped me identify my strengths, which lie in longer distances.
What are your college plans?
I will be a recruited walk on for the University of Florida. Go Gators!
Who would you like to say thank you to?
My biggest thank you has to be to my mom. She encouraged me to "at least try Cross Country" my freshman year, she NEVER missed a meet in Cross Country or Track, and she showed unconditional support during times of injury or frustration. Plus she rides her bike with me on long runs and I would not trade that time I have with her for the world.
Another big thank you has to go to all of my teammates from across the years. And personally to Coach Harrison, thank you for always being brutally honest with me.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Do not fall victim to self doubt. Run at a pace you will be proud of. Also, run happy.
