What was your most memorable meet or race?
My most memorable race would have to be the state xc meet of 2011. This was my sophomore year and it was my first year as a member of Herky's varsity team . The 2010 state meet didn't end the way we wanted it to as we got second as a team. So the 2011 year we were motivated. Tough training and a bunch of team bonding made the whole year feel like one big Rocky montage. Anyways, we were able to pump out the win and I was able to do it alongside my best friends Ryan Jackson and Jacob Coffman. It was a great experience.
Who was your biggest competition?
I like to think I have a lot of competition but the people that stand out to me are definitely Christian Hunter, as well as the rest of the Festus team, and Jake Burch. These guys are great people to race and they always give it their all. Another cool thing about being their competitors is the fact that were still great friends, we hang out constantly.
Out of all your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
I would have to say placing third at the state two mile this year. It summarized a great year on the track for me, and was one of the only state meet events I didn't tank!
If you could do it all over again is there anything you would change?
Honestly, there's not much I would change but if I to go back in a time machine and change something, I would tell myself at an early age to develop a kick, because I absolutely have no kick! Haha
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most difficult obstacle I've had to overcome is bouncing back after a horrible state xc meet performance this year. I collapsed at the top of firehouse hill and went from 6th to 40th place, but through the help of several coaches and my friends I was able to come back and have a great track season.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss my XC family. In Herky, running's not just a sport, it's a life. I will greatly miss all the fun times we had as a team, primarily air soft wars, and I will miss my coach Kyle Davis. This man stepped into some pretty big shoes and did a fantastic job, and I can honestly say he was like Mr. Miyagi to me. Finally, I will miss the crazy speeches given by Coach Kasten, my favorite sophomore Tristan Mock, and my best friend Kaitlyn Fischer.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?In the path to success, don't be intimidated by others. Just because a runner or a team has run a little faster than you have before, that doesn't mean their unstoppable. Have faith in yourself and train to win, and remember if you can;t do it in practice your not going to be able to do it on the field.
What are your college plans?
I will be attending and running for Missouri Southern State University next fall. My major is Biology-pre medicine.
Who would you like to thank?
I would like to thank my Mom and Dad for everything they've done for my running career. From buying a surplus of ice to cooking spaghetti squash every Friday, they've done it all. My grandma, for shaping me into the person I am today. I would also like to thank Coach Thomas, both Coach Kastens, Coach Lorinc, Coach Cook, and last but not least, Coach Davis. Also, thank you Kaitlyn Fischer, Austin Haas, Adam Maxwell, Ryan Jackson, Alex Mason, and Jacob Coffman for being the best friends Herculaneum has to offer.
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<em style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: invert none 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana;">Want to be featured in our Salute To Seniors series? Email PEverett@milesplit.com and answer the questions above! Congratulations to the seniors on all their hard work and success.</em><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana;"> </span></p>
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