What was your most memorable race?
This topic actually came up in a conversation with Jordan Mann and Amos Bartelsmeyer the other day. It is really ironic; my favorite and most memorable race was one that I did not watch! By far, the 2011 Class 3 Sectional 4x800 duel between MICDS and Westminster Christian Academy. This race was an intense match from start to finish between both the MICDS runners and the Westminster runners. The race was one by less than half a second and no team was ever behind the other by more than a second in any leg. Running the second leg and then watching the race was incredible for me because I ran pr, but then watching how the rest of the race unfolded was just as amazing.
Who was your biggest competition?
My biggest competition has always been Jordan Mann. He is such a motivator and force on track that I wanted to beat him. Unfortunately, he had a lot more dedication and knowledge than I did my underclassmen years (when I could have beaten him haha.)
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
It is my personal belief that the order of importance in life should go Family/God(s), Academics, and then athletics. Therefore, the greatest accomplishment I have had in high school has been receiving my high school diploma. It is incredibly important that running never becomes such a part of your life that you must fail academically to do so. There is a reason why runners often time receive the best grades in school.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I would like to change the faith that I had in myself. If I believed more in my abilities and did not do so many extracurriculars, I would have been able to stay happier and healthier. Faith is an important part of your running mentality. You need to believe in yourself no matter what the situation is. Trust your training, and carry on.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The biggest obstacle that I had to overcome was the fears that I was not a good enough runner to run with good runners. Once I got past that, I was able to learn a lot from them and then develop into what I wanted to be by the end of it all.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss the family that I have made at MICDS the most. Whether it be the coaches or the teammates, I have developed a lot of strong bonds with the program, its’ alumni, and it’s history. I am really sad that I must severe those for the time being and carry on.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
This advice is for all the runners who are looking to better themselves: be the person now that you want to be later. If you want to be all state senior year, start practicing the rituals now. If you want to be a leading scientist when you are older, begin by studying hard. Start developing whatever techniques you want now and then stick with them. Then you will never be sad.
What are your college plans?
I am going to attend Colgate University in the fall majoring in either Biochemistry, Music, or math. I will probably minor in the other two. I also plan to join the Colgate running club and continue my career.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
There are so many people that I would like to thank for helping me become the person that I am today, especially all of my runner friends that have accepted me for who I am and not for the size of my basement. Coach Rappleye, Bey, and Z --- You guys are incredible. Amos Bartelsmeyer and Jordan Mann – thank you for helping me find my work ethic and believing that I could be something a lot greater than what I was showing. Peter Condie, Matt Myer, Josh Zoeller, Steven Shearing, Tommy, Max, Clayton, Sam archie and all you other MICDS runners – Do it next year guys. I believe in you! You guys made this year so much fun and I could not trade anything for the experiences we have shared. Keep the goal in site, remain calm, and ADVENTURE.
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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