Former Leon High School standout Will Stanford remembers his high school career like it was yesterday. The athletic honors starting from when he placed 12th at the 3A State Cross Country meet (the highest finish for a freshman)and his team won overall in 2007. Then the cross country season of 2008 where he was the individual runner-up and Leon won another title. In 2009, he picked up a state title outdoors by winning the 3200 meters.
He came back to help Leon win a third straight cross country championship, but he was nowhere near 100 percent. Stanford had contracted the H1N1 Virus otherwise known as the "Swine Flu". The virus combined with a pre-existing asthma condition put Stanford from the top of the podium to sitting on the sideline his senior year. He says his dad who was also one of his coaches at the time gave him some great advice to keep pushing forward.
"My dad told me that my high school running career is just a small chapter in a large book that has a whole lot more sections to be written. Be patient and always strive to do your best and things will work out fine. I don’t think I listened to that real well at first because my plans hadn’t included sickness, overtraining, and injuries."
Stanford graduated from Leon in 2011 and took a year off during 2012 to get everything in order. He has been taking classes at Tallahassee Community College and just completed his first semester where he earned a 4.0. He isn't just getting the job done in the classroom, he is also getting back to running and says the times are looking positive.
"I ran a 15k here in Tallahassee for a road race in 53:00 and that's a 1:50 improvement from my time there last year."
Others are taking notice as well and are offering some great advice to the former standout. Stanford wrote about his running experiences and performances to legendary Coach Jack Daniels and the coach had nothing, but great things to say in return.
“Will, I’ve reviewed your race performances and I can tell you that you have quite a bit of talent and I want you to remember this, your talent is still there, it hasn’t deserted you, just be patient and give your body a chance to heal. If it takes a whole year or even two give yourself a chance. You will run fast again and be better than ever.”
That encouragement has Stanford excited to get back and get back to the success he sustained during his high school career. His motto is "unfinished business." He is running everyday and sometimes even twice a day. He says his focus has been building a strong base with lots of mileage.
"I've been running 85-95 miles per week and soon I will add in some more tempo and interval workouts. I am just taking my time as I have tried to get back too soon before and don't want to risk rushing into my training and over train again."
When the 2013 cross country season rolls around he will have a year of college under his belt with a great academic resume in hand. With four years of eligibility at their disposal, he is hoping a college will come calling that is looking for both a mentally tough competitor who will be a great teammate and also a hard worker in the class room.
"I would love for the folks that have always pulled for me to get the opportunity to see me race at the college level. It has been a long road but it has been a great learning experience. Always remember, run the first part of the race with your mind, be smart, but run the last part with your heart and your guts, be tough."
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