What was your most memorable race?
My most memorable race is probably the 4x800 my junior year at sectionals. It was the most insane race that I have ever ran in. We drop a baton. Bring it back to a workable place. I PR in the 800 after I broke my foot half way through. Thinking we had barely made it, only learn that they ended up disqualifying us after the race. After all the work we did to make it and it got blown away.
What would you consider your biggest competition?
Personal competition is always against Zach and Caleb. Caleb and I have had a bit of a rivalry for a while, and Zach is just the big KC runner. He is a good buddy of mine, but still don't like to lose to him.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments which stands out the most?
I think my cross country career is what stands out. I have three top 5 finishes. But most of all, I got to lead my team to a State-title. That is my biggest accomplishment of high school.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I would have spent more time with the younger kids on my team. I got to know them well, and am told that I have made an impact, but I dont think it was to the fullest extent. I wish I could have played a bigger role in their progress. Thats what I would have changed.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most difficult obstacles I have had to face are the disappointments. My Sophomore year we missed the win by 10 points. Our 5 and 6 guys were sick and didn't even run. Probably would have changed how that year ended. The next is the broken foot. I had such high hopes for the end of my season, and it just didn't happen because of it. I had a tough time getting over it. Not being able to run, and when I could run again taking it so slow, the whole thing was just miserable. Easily the biggest obstacles for success I have had.
What will you miss the most?
I'll miss the competition. Friends until the gun goes off, but friends again when we cross the line. We all know what happens in between that time. The odd bond of being a runner, I'll miss that. But even more, I will miss my team. I love the guys I ran with. They were like brothers to me. Nothing will change that.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
The best advice I can give younger athletes is to know how to train and know how to race. Training: There are hard days for a reason, and there are easy days for a reason. Take advantage of both types of days. Racing: #1 Your body can take so much more than you think it can. Get past the mental. #2 There is no secret to running. Nothing special exists to make you great. You have to trust your training, and know that only you can make your races what you want them to be.
What are your college plans?
I am running for UMKC under Coach Butler. Some big plans are in the work there, and I am really excited to be a part in their program. Since running can't be my whole life, I will be attending their Business school as well.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
First, is faith based. God has given me a gift that I refuse to sacrifice. Through him all things are possible. Second, my parents. The never ending support has given me everything to be successful. A thousand dollars worth of running shoes, and innumerable saturdays shows that. Finally, my coaches. Morris was a great coach. I owe a lot of my track success to him. The man knows his stuff. He means business and gets it done. I learned that side from him. I am sad to see him leave coaching for a while. Coach Solsberg is a whole other story. He is a coach, a mentor, a father figure. He is an amazing coach and even more amazing guy. I learned more about life from him than I did about running. That, to me, is the mark of a great coach; he taught life through success in a sport. I truly feel sorry for the guys that won't get the chance to run for him.
More Coverage
Want to be featured in our Salute To Seniors series? Email PEverett@milesplit.com and answer the questions above! Congratulations to the class of 2012 on all their hard work and success.
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