WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE RACE?
There are a lot of races that were extremely memorable to me for a lot of different reasons. I'll never forget my first race at the state meet; the 1600. Everybody knew I was a pretty alright freshmen, but I'd never run any faster than 4:40something. I really didn't even know what I was doing but I remember taking the lead with 600 meters to go and just running for my life. I ended up crossing the finish line first and seeing that I'd p.r'd by 20 seconds and broken my dad's school record. I couldn't believe that I had won a state title. It was really incredible.
The other race that I will never forget was the 4x400 preliminaries from my final state meet. Our 4x4 was ranked 14th coming in but somehow went into the finals with the 4th fastest time! I remember us all huddling together just before the race and looking each other dead in the eye. We all ran faster than we'd ever run and set a 10 second p.r. as a team. I was so proud of those guys.
WHO WAS YOUR BIGGEST COMPETITION?
I can't say that I had any one consistant rival. Brady Johnson from Plainville, Kansas kind of became my rival back during indoor track. We became really good friends through it so it wasn't like a bad Chiefs-Raiders rivalry. Brady was more of a l,ong distance runner while I was more of a mid-distance guy but no matter what we didn't back down from each other no matter the distance.
OUT OF ALL OF YOUR HIGH SCHOOL ACCOMPLISHMENTS, WHICH STANDS OUT THE MOST?
Winning 11 state titles in track and starting my high school's cross country program.
IF YOU COULD DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
I had some opportunities early in my career to set state records in the 1600 and 800. I think I would have tried to reach a little higher rather than settling for the gold medals. Outside of that, not really any regrets.
WHAT WERE THE MOST DIFFICULT OBSTACLES YOU HAD TO OVERCOME?
As far as training went, I was pretty much on my own. Sometimes I did sprints with the team but I needed little of that so for all of my training I was on my own. My dad or my coach would sometimes come out and time me but that was all I had. Plus, Princeton's track is dirt, gravel, and ruts. Because of that, I didn't do very much track work. When I needed a track I had to drive 30 miles to the nearest town that had an all-weather track.
WHAT WILL YOU MISS MOST?
I'm sure it is going to be rough to not be the focal point of attention on the team and in the community every spring. That's something I'll get used to. Outside of that, I think I'm ready to take the next step in my career.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR YOUNGER ATHLETES?
Believe in your training, no matter what it may be but keep an open mind. Lots of people out there want to help you get better. Always remember that success is not defined by how many races or games you win, it's defined by how much better you are now than what you were when you started. Always be thankful and humble with your successes.
WHAT ARE YOUR COLLEGE PLANS?
I am going to run track and cross country for Kansas State University! I couldn't be more thrilled about my new coaches, teammates, and the new community I will be living in. The ultimate goal is to try to make a n Olympic team down the road. The fall back plan is an agribusiness degree.
WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO THANK?
Firstly, I feel like Penny High track/XC coach, Mark Volmer, deserves some major credit. He actually got me started running back in 7th grade. Then, my high school coach, Jim King. Coach King was the greatest inspiration to ever come into my life. I'd run through Hell if he would time me. Then my dad. My dad worked with me, talked to me, timed me, watched me, drove me to meets, helped me start cross country at Princeton, and so much more. I could never thank my dad enough for what all he had to do to get me to the point I am at now. Next, I'd like to thank my mom, along with the rest of my family for always supporting me and my decisions. My friends, teammates, the community of Princeton, St. Joe Newspress for getting my name out there, Preston Cole for printing so many article about me, my teachers for letting me out of class early to go run, all of my coaches, Lance, Greg, Ramsey, Homedale, I couldn't have done any of this without your help and support.
Also, always wanted to say this, special thanks goes out to all my fans! Thank you everybody for making me what I am today!
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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