Boys Warrior of the Week: Emarkis Gunn

BOYS WINNER: Emarkis Gunn - Senior @ Palm Beach Lakes

Palm Beach Lakes is known for producing great hurdlers. In the mid 2000’s it was Lawrence Baker, then came current University of Florida freshman Eddie Lovett, and the latest era belonged to Emarkis Gunn. Gunn continued the tradition of state championships by winning the 300 hurdles in 36.83, one of the fastest times in the country in 2011. The senior capped off his career with the title after falling short the past two seasons finishing third in 2010 and second in 2009. Coach Jerome Groover says it was their decision to stick solely to hurdles that was the difference maker.

 

“He has been going for this since his sophomore season. One of the adjustments we made this year was to take him out of the triple jump. He was one of our better triple jumpers (43-44 feet). He scored in every meet, but it took a lot out of him coming from the prelims to the finals and then doing the 110 and 300 hurdles. I’m happy for him. The effort, hard work, and dedication really paid off in the end. I thought it was his best performance in four years”

 

His performance at the 3A state championships was a new personal best for the senior. Coach Groover trains his hurdlers to peak at the end of the year and that is exactly what Gunn did. Leading up to the race he says Gunn as well of the rest of his team was prepared and had a complete understanding of their mission on the track.

 

“I knew when we left for states that everything was taken care of in practice because the focus was there. I was just overjoyed when the 300 hurdles started. I know the script of his race and it all depends on that fifth hurdle because he has such a strong finish. I thought if he came off that hurdle leading there was no one in the state who could catch him.”

 

Right behind him second place was fellow teammate Malik Lewis. The senior also placed second in the 110 hurdles as well. Groover says having not one, but two or three training partners, plays an integral role in the team’s success.

 

“I’m always looking to have more than one or two hurdlers always trying to develop three or four at a time because it lends itself to a very competitive practice. It is difficult for one of them to go by these barriers by themselves. We’ve never had one or two good hurdlers. We’ve had three or four. It is my philosophy to do this so that practices are competitive.”

 

Groover also credits his programs triumphs to a philosophy that emphasizes running the hurdles, running the quarters, and quality pre-conditioning that consists of flexibility exercises and mobility. He says it is easy to pick a good hurdler out of the crowd.

 

“We introduce a lot of the athletes to the hurdles for the first time when they come here. The number one sign of a good hurdler is that puckering of fear because there is no way you can develop if there is some type of fear. It’s a relentless race. They aren’t afraid to go actually go over the boundaries and overcome the barriers. They love the challenge and that’s what we’re looking for here. We’re going to develop these hurdlers and we’re going to continue to do that.”

 

Although Gunn has not decided on a college he is planning on taking several visits in the coming weeks. Coach Groover wouldn’t name a leader, but predicts his star senior will be a long hurdler at the next level and also participate in the school’s 4x400 meter relay team. He says Gunn is one of the better hurdlers he has coached and had prelims and finals been on a separate day the senior could have bettered his times.

 

“If he had a day of total rest between prelims and finals I’m sure he is capable of running low 35 maybe even 34. He is that strong.”

Personal Bests

• 110 Meter Hurdles14.10

• 300 Meter Hurdles

• 36.83

• 55 Meter Hurdles7.74

• Triple Jump

• 43-7

More On Emarkis (Athlete Profile)