Salute To Seniors: Kyler Kathman - Spruce Creek

 
What was your most memorable race?
 
My most memorable race was definitely the first time that I broke our school record at the Deltona Invitational. I had already ran the 4x800 relay, and the mile, and it was about 10:00 at night. I really didn’t want to run the two mile, but knew I had to do it. Out of nowhere, I set a PR by 18 seconds and went from being a 10:10 two-miler to a 9:52 guy. It was the first time I broke 10 minutes. My coaches both came up to me and started hugging me and I wasn’t really sure why until Coach Janson said, “You just broke the school record!” I was so shocked and I’ll never forget that night!
 
Where did you face your biggest competition?
 
Definitely at regionals this track season. We are in the 4A "Region of Death" and it was super crazy. Our 4x800 team didn’t make state with an 8:01 and I missed going to state in the mile by a second when I ran 4:27.
 
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
 
Setting the 3200m school record of 9:44 at the Florid Relays.
 
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
 
I would’ve relaxed. This is the first year that I just messed around and had a good time. I just learned to enjoy the sport and have fun. I used to take it way to serious and would get nervous.
 
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
 
The hardest thing for me was last year when I transitioned to a different program. Spruce Creek is a huge team and I had to adjust to the workouts and all types of stuff, but I’m so glad I had the opportunity to run there.
 
What will you miss the most?
 
I will definitely miss all of my teammates, friends from other teams, and my coaches.
 
Do you have any advice for younger athletes? 
 
Just enjoy running and don’t take it too serious. When you enjoy something you are naturally good at it.
 
Who would you like to say thank you to?
 
Definitely my friends, teammates, coaches, but most of all my family. My parents are my biggest fans in the world and I’m so thankful for them. They’ve been to almost every single race or meet that I’ve ever ran at. My brother and sister have come to them all as well and I’m thankful they’ve enjoyed coming to support me. They have never complained about how boring track meets are even the 10 hour ones! Lastly, thank you Lord, for giving me health and the ability to run.
 
What are your college plans?
 
I just signed my National Letter of Intent last week to Southeastern University in Lakeland.