I am really hoping this whole experience wasn’t just a dream, and you guys aren’t actually just reading about something that happened during my REM cycle because even though I know that’s probably not the case, it sure does feel like it could be.
It all started on Thursday, December 8th. I left school early because I could only focus on what the next few days held, but also because surprise, surprise I had yet to complete any of my packing. I finally packed my suitcase full of items unheard of to Floridians such as coats, thick hats, and mittens. After making a necessary stop at Chick-Fil-A, we boarded the plane and were on our way. While my mom, dad and I have all been to the Big Apple at least once before it was a privilege to be able to take my younger sister, Danae, for her first time. We landed in the Kennedy airport and were greeted by our driver who was holding a white sign with my last name written on it. So, contrary to popular belief, it’s not something that they only do in movies! A bumpy, 30 minute car ride gave me a little taste of the crazy amount of NYC traffic. Arriving at our hotel, the Marriott Marquis, I was awestruck. Never before had I seen so many elevators. Okay, I know they are just elevators but I mean, come on, there were 16! There were also 55 floors and, what seemed like, countless numbers of ball rooms and eating areas, which we fully took advantage of over the course of the weekend. The best part of the Marquis was that it not only gave us a beautiful view of NYC but also a five minute walk away from pretty much everything.
We checked in at the Heisman table, layered up for the sub 40 degree weather and decided to check out a little area we liked to call Times Square. My family and I took in all of the holiday season activity and of course, the sights. We decided to have a few slices of New York style pizza and see the famous Christmas tree and ice skating rink before calling it a night. The bright and flashing lights of Times Square shone through our window but despite the popular nickname, “The City That Never Sleeps”, I slept like a baby, knowing I was going to need all of the energy I could get.
A 6:00 a.m. wakeup call got me up for breakfast and reminded me that this weekend was indeed happening. I don’t think that the hotel staff could have been any more on-target with their food choices because they served literally all of my favorite breakfast items, including bacon, eggs, and fresh berries. After listening to some inspiring advice from almost all of the past High School Heisman winners and introducing ourselves to our fellow finalists and their families, we climbed onto the charter buses and began our journey to Rockefeller Center. Upon our arrival, we were led to the highest level of the building which is actually referred to as “The Top of the Rock.” The view that we had from the top was unbelievable! We could see everything from the Empire State Building, to Central Park, even to New Jersey. After that, we made our way to Radio City to enjoy the Christmas Spectacular, featuring the legendary Rockettes and the big man in red, Santa Clause. It was so awesome seeing the Rockettes live, compared to when I just watch them on my TV screen every Thanksgiving morning. We were all starving as we headed for Mickey Mantle’s, near Central Park. Over delicious hamburgers and fries, which we think were sweet potato due to their orange-ish color but will never really know, we all talked more about our hometowns and what our schools are like. Wendy’s did such an amazing job making us feel like celebrities all weekend long. From the special credentials, to the constant paparazzi, everything was just so incredibly legitimate! After that, we used our one hour of free time to check out some more of Times Square, including the Hershey Store and M&M world, and then went back to our rooms to get ready for the big night!
First, the finalists did a photo shoot with the Heisman trophy and Archie Griffin, the only two-time Heisman winner, and then went down for dinner. I was sitting with my parents, waiting for the dinner to begin, when I realized that there was a string of swole, and nicely dressed, young men walking in to find a seat. I immediately recognized Alabama running back, Trent Richardson, walk over to my table. He ended up picking the empty seat right next to me, which I could not believe! After talking to him over a dinner that looked so good, it was almost hard to eat, I really got to know him better. I was amazed to find out how humble, down to earth and nice he was, even for a guy who is considered one of the best college football players this season and pretty sure is made of brick. During dinner, I made my way around the room and got to meet all of the other Heisman candidates, except Andrew Luck, and got my original Heisman football signed. Although I could have been totally content with the trip up to this point, there was even more.
After eating, we all walked over to the Best Buy Theater, where our faces and names were pictured on a screen cornering the top of the building. There, we recorded the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award Show, which was later played on December 18th on ESPN2. They played each of our video’s, which consisted of interviews, footage and pictures. The things the parents had said in their interviews about their children were so precious and totally tear jerking. I don’t think I’ve ever met a more proud group of adults. Another huge blessing was, because the producer knew I want to major in broadcast journalism and work for EPSN, he let me do the commercial cut-away on camera. I still can’t believe that I shared a podium with Joe Tessitore and it actually aired on ESPN. They announced the very talented and kindhearted winners, Selena and Garrett, and we all rushed the stage after the show was over. The night ended with a private reception full of every dessert you could imagine, free Shirley Temples and plenty of hugs and congratulations.
The next morning we had another perfect breakfast and then loaded the bus for our departure to the bay for the water taxi tour of the Statue of Liberty. It was my first time seeing the statue in real life so I loved being able to get the full view and story behind it all. It was freezing and windy on the boat but way fun. We then traveled to the breathtaking 9/11 Memorial. It was sad to think back about where we were when this occurred and realize how many lives were lost, but at the same time completely moving to see how one nation under God came together and is building something stronger than ever. After munching on some delicious, real Italian pasta and bread in Little Italy, it was time to make our way back to the Marquis. During our hour and a half break, a group of us ventured off to 5th Ave. for some shopping. Fellow finalist, Sarah, and I jokingly started to speed walk through the crowded streets, but it soon turned into all of us racing each other as we dodged people, signs and cars. We probably looked like fools but HELLO, I’m a runner. And to go to New York, with perfect weather and beautiful scenery, and not even have a chance to go for a run was heartbreaking. I had to improvise! After experiencing a little bit of heaven, aka a 7 story Forever 21 and 5 story NikeTown, we all got dressed up once again and made our way to dinner.
The dinner was buffet-style so, like every other meal, it did not disappoint. By then, the other finalists and I were so close and acting like we had known each other since birth. We finished up at the banquet and then completely freaked out at the fact that we now had VIP Heisman passes hanging around our necks. Just simply walking into the Best Buy Theater and being surrounded with men all in suits and ties, seeing seats reserved for the past and future Heisman winners and hearing voices usually only heard during college football games was mind-blowing. The other Floridian finalist, Collin, and I took pictures and videos the whole time as we anxiously waited for the winner to be announced. Of course, Robert Griffin III, also a really sweet guy who is all about his team and school, took home the trophy. It was a huge privilege to meet such a wonderful athlete and I’m glad he got to share a few words about Baylor with me. After a fantastic night at another reception and bidding our farewells to the awesome people from Wendy’s, who put on this whole event, most of the finalists decided to spend one last night out on the town. I went to my third NY pizza place, bought a Justin Beiber poster off the streets for a Secret Santa gift back home and cherished my last few moments with what are now some of my greatest friends.
The next morning, even with another killer breakfast, was full of melancholy as we said our goodbyes. We had already exchanged numbers and emails and signed each other’s t-shirts, so there wasn’t much to do except give our final hugs. The plane ride home, although was spent mostly sleeping, gave me some time to reflect on the trip and how blessed I truly am. This experience is seriously indescribable, so I hope I did an okay job of trying to portray it for you all. I want to thank FLrunners for allowing me to share this experience with their readers, and for their constant commitment to the state’s runners, all year long. I also want to thank Wendy’s, even though I don’t think just a “thank you” will ever be sufficient. They provided me with a trip that will never be forgotten, $2,000 for my school and over $150 worth of gift cards so I can enjoy their food for months to come! A big shout out to the 11 other finalists from across the nation that shared this unbelievable experience with me; they were some of the most dedicated and talented kids I have met thus far and I’m thankful that I now have these people in my life! I feel so honored that I was able to not only represent Florida and Lakewood Ranch High School but also my family, coaches and teachers who have done everything they could to encourage me and push me in the right direction. It truly saddens me when I think about leaving this wonderful support system next year, but I know that it was the morals, character and work ethic that they have instilled in me that allowed me to be a contender for the Wendy’s Heisman and will hopefully carry with me through college. However, I owe all of this to God, because without Him, I wouldn’t be able to accomplish anything. He continues to bless me in ways I didn’t think were possible. All the glory and praise that comes with this recognition shouldn’t go to me but to Him. Now, it’s almost Christmas, which also means track season is right around the bend! Can’t wait to see you all out there soon and Merry Christmas!
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