The 2016-2017 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.
Today we salute Boyd Anderson hurdler/jumper Tard Smith.
What was your most memorable race/moment?
My most memorable race/moment was the 300m hurdles at districts. I was working all season for that race and in the preliminaries I ran my fastest time of the season and won my heat. Then in finals I fell short and didn't make it to the next level. That hurt me to the soul. I thought about it and cried about it, but that's why it was memorable. That race made me go harder and push harder for everything I did after that. I can proudly say that race brought the beast out of me for all my other events.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
My biggest competition over my four years was myself. My first two years I would talk myself out the race before it even happened. I was thinking too much. It took me two years to realize that.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment was doing what a lot of people said I couldn't do and doing that and way more then anyone expected.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
If I had the opportunity to do it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing. My running career in high school was a learning experience for me. If I go back and change anything I wouldn't be the young man I am today.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most difficult obstacle I had to overcome are the coaches and other people that doubted me. I had to look at it as motivation and make something happen. The word "can't " coming from someone else's mouth is what fueled me to go get what I wanted and work harder.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss my coach the most. Coach Dawn Spann stuck with me from beginning to the end. She believed in me and I didn't let her down. She brought in more coaches that saw the same potential in me that she did. I stuck it out and stayed dedicated to those coaches and most importantly her.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
I would like to tell you younger athletes to never let someone tell you that you can't do something. Push yourself to get what you are looking for. What you put in you get out. I've lived this life as a young athlete and trust me when you hear the saying hard work pays off, trust me it really does.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
My coach, Coach Dawn Spann has influenced me both on and off the track. She showed me what would happen when I put in the work and trust her. She has been in my life for 11-14 years. I started at a young age and she was like a mother figure to me. She made sure I was on top of my work on the track as well as in school. She has showed me how to take responsibility for my actions and just deal with the consequences.
What are your college plans?
My college plan is to go to Butler Community College for two years and continue to run track. After the second year is finished I will come back to Florida and attend the University Of Florida.
