It was last year at this time when the injury bug took a huge bite out of North Broward Prep star Jerimy Strainge. The 2A state champion in the 100 and 200 looked well on his way to defending those titles before he went down with a hamstring injury at the Florida Relays. He says that moment is one that still sits in his mind.
"When I got injured I didn't think I was going to be out the whole season. I thought I was going to be able to make districts and compete, but that didn't happen. I was a little discouraged, but I didn't let that get to me because I saw what happened to other people when they got down and I didn't want to up like that. I took that into the summer, going to rehab, and doing everything possible to get better. I ran in a couple of meets, but my injury was still hurting me and the last meet I couldn't even finish the race."
Strainge's sophomore dreams were halted by injury. In 2012 a persistent hip pain he had been experience since he was 14 became more painful. He attended this year's Florida Relays, but as a spectator rooting on his North Broward Prep teammates. Strainge says he was running on the injured hip or a while and didn't figure to go get it checked. It turned out to be more serious than he thought and much to his dismay the doctor said he would be out for the postseason. Two years and no hopes of another state title. Strainge has this advice for high school runners.
"Stretch, stretch, stretch, and if you don't feel right tell your coach because in track and field small injuries can lead to big ones like mine. Remember don't get down because even at your lowest point you can come back from any injury if you put your mind to it. Doing the things you need to do for your injury are a must. I just want to get this fixed so I can do the things I used to do."
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