Salute To Seniors: Emily Scott - Cypress Lake
What was your most memorable race?
I have two really memorable races. The first would be regionals of my junior year. I placed tenth on the course at Estero Park and ran considerably better than anyone expected me to. I couldn't believe I individually qualified for the state meet and ran as well as I did. The second would be at the Marcus Freeman Memorial Invitational. I ran the 3200 with South's Araceli Leon and ended with a 40 second pr. That was the race I was most proud of myself and everyone could see my hard work really paying off.
What would you consider your biggest competition?
The district and regional track meets in the two mile of my senior year. I had to really push myself to make it to regionals. Also the regional cross country meet, there were many teams vying for the 4th spot and the competition was pretty tough.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments which stands out the most?
Individually qualifying for the state meet my junior year.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I wouldn't change anything about it. I loved my coach and team and how I progressed over the four years. I wish I could run the two mile at the regional track meet over again. I had the worst blow up of my career in my last high school race that I really regret, but its taught me some things that I will not repeat in the future.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
I struggled for a long time balancing grades and running and family. I eventually found a way to keep all in check and keep myself grounded while keeping up with my schedule.
What will you miss the most?
My coach and his family. I consider them my second family and I don't know what I will do without them. Also my team, the girls have become my sisters and the guys always know how to make me laugh.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Academics are just as important as athletics. Strive to balance every aspect of your life. If something is important you will find a way, if its not you will find an excuse. Excuses are the nails that build the house of failure.
What are your college plans?
The University of Tampa...Major in Pre-Med or Occupational Therapy.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would like to say thank you to my Coach Rob Strong. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't be the runner I am or have accomplished the things in my running career I've done. He was always the one telling me "I think you can be there" or "You can get this time" and thats what has really got me through all the years. He's been like a father/best friend/running partner/teacher/mentor/role model through all the years and I want to thank him for all he's done and all he's inspired me to do.
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Want to be featured in our Salute To Seniors series? Drop me a line: TGrasley@milesplit.com and answer the questions above! Congratulations to the class of 2012 on all their hard work and success.