Salute to Seniors: Aaron Mallett

What was your most memorable meet or race? 

My most memorable race was the 300m hurdles this year when I ran 36.98 and was 7 tenths of a second off of the Class 4 record. I was running blind (in my opinion) and mad because of my wrongful disqualification in the 110m hurdles. I was determined to make statement in that race and if I would not have studder stepped hurdle 6, I think I could have broken the record. My most memorable meet was the State meet in 2011, which was my sophomore year, I remember being so nervous and thinking I wouldn't even make it to finals in the 110s and I actually got 6th. I was stoked!

Who was your biggest competition?

My biggest competition as far as an individual was Jehu Chesson III from Ladue Horton Watkins. Him and I were good friends off the track but, when it was time to race, we both meant business. He would always force me to get out of the blocks and ultimately make me run a fast race. As far as schools go, my biggest competition was Hazelwood Central. They always seem to have a killer team that just doesn't quit!

Out of all your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?

I would have to say that earning a full scholarship to a D1 school (the University of Iowa) was the most gratifying. When I got those phone calls about how much I was being offered, all I could do was thank God! 

If you could do it all over again is there anything you would change?  
I wouldn't change a thing! 

What will you miss the most?

I will definitely miss my team the most. Those guys are like my brothers, on and off the track. 

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?

The most difficult obstacles I had to overcome were definitely injuries. I strained my hamstring the first day of practice junior year and was afraid to tell my coaches and parents because I thought they were going to make me sit out. So instead, I ran my entire junior season hurt. I remember before every race I would put Biofreeze on my hamstring and that seemed to get me through the season. I didn't get proper treatment until that summer. Senior year, at the SNC Championships, I hit a hurdle and landed wrong, causing severe inflammation in my lower back. I didn't practice that entire week and had Districts the following Saturday. I was so nervous I thought I was going to puke, especially since I was running the open 200m and this was the first time  I ran it all year. Also, the Suburban North Conference is arguably the toughest district in the state. But, I think my mind was so worried about my injury that it caused me to focus more on running. I made it out in all my events and ran a PR of 22.02 in the 200m. I had 6 events that day! 

Do you have any advice for younger athletes?

Never Give Up!!! I remember getting beat all the time in track and never winning anything. Then, with the proper coaching and my drive to succeed, I matured and 'blossomed' as an athlete and I continue to have that same work ethic. I will never be satisfied; it keeps me hungry!


What are your college plans?
I am attending the University of Iowa in hopes to get my masters degree in Physical Therapy to become a PT! I will also be running track for UIowa! GO HAWKEYES! 

Who would you like to thank? My list would go on forever if I mentioned everyone I needed to thank...so I'm going to start by thanking God because he has blessed me beyond belief! I would also like to thank my mother and grandmother for being my backbone through everything. I'd like to thank all my coaches and mentors, especially my summer track coaches: BJ Torbert and Bryan Westmoreland Sr. You guys have built me up right, not only as an athlete but, as an individual. I can't thank you all enough for the things you have done for me. You have truly changed my life for the better and  I am forever in debt to you guys. I would also like to thank everyone that supports me and the endeavors I choose to take on! It is dearly appreciated! Thank You All!

More Coverage

Mallett's Winter Clears Way for Stellar Spring

 Mallett Responds With Win

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