Adyson Delaney (Eureka)
A: My most memorable race was during senior year cross country season when everything started coming together for our team. It really all came clear at Districts in Washington, MO at the Big Driver course. I remember finishing and hardly being able to stand, but every time I looked back to the finish line, another one of my teammates crossed the line. It was by far our best team appearance and we proved that we were a team to compete for a spot at the state meet.
Q: Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
A: I wouldn't say any one single person was my biggest competition. Each race over the four years of high school was so different, and it posed new competition nearly every week.
Q: What was your greatest accomplishment?
A: It might sound cliché or not as amazing as other people's major accomplishments, but honestly just leading my team. My final year at Eureka was so memorable because of the girls I was able to lead and grow close with.
Q: If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
A: I would have put more time in over the summer before my Freshman and Sophomore years of cross country. I didn't have the foundation I needed until my senior year. I would also have relaxed more over the winter before my senior season of track. I ran myself into the ground and let thoughts about body image and negativity get the best of me and I payed for it during the season.
Q: What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
A: Finding out the week of state for my senior track season, after qualifying in the 4x8, and 4x4, that I had a stress reaction on my tibia. I was unable to compete at state and still remain in a boot. It's been hard dealing with the fact that my last season wasn't what I overall had wanted, but I know that in the end everything happens for a reason.
Q: What will you miss the most?
A: I'll miss the closeness shared between my teammates and competitors. Going into college I know that the competition is on a much larger range and number, so the tightness and camaraderie will not be there as much.
Q: What advice would you give to younger athletes?
A: I would say that consistency is key. Stay consistent with your health, running, eating, and hydration and you'll be set to go. Most people, such as I, learn this too late.
Q: What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
A: My coach has had a huge impact on my life. He made me realize that through hard, consistent training, big things are possible. He truly is the reason I am able to run for a D1 school next semester, and I never will be able to thank him enough.
Q: What are your college plans?
A: I will be attending Missouri State University on a partial running scholarship.
Q: Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?
A: I would really just like to say thank you to anyone and everyone who's ever believed in me. Over the years, so many people have been there for me in more than many ways. Also a huge thank you to my parents who supported me every step of the way throughout high school. They have spent countless hours helping me get to where I am know and I am forever grateful for them in my life.
Q: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
A: Just a shoutout to my senior season team! You guys truly were the best and made my senior year such a precious time for me to remember for the rest of my life. Thank you!
Q: What was the funniest thing that happened during your running career?
A: My freshman year, my first 5k was at the annual Forest Park festival. It was my first big race ever really. My coach then, at the race, was talking to my other teammates about Francis Howell. I was trying to find the girl named Francis that they were talking about, and when I asked, "Who's Francis? Is she fast?" I was answered with many laughs and a memory that they still make fun of me for!