Name: Addie Mathis

 

School: Lees summit west

 

Q: What does your training look like right now given the current situation?

A: I've been continuing with training with one or two teammates and we're hoping we'll get in some races this summer. 

 

Q: What are you doing to stay busy other than run right now?

A: I've been binge watching a lot of Survivor lately. I've also been trying to do some crafty things like scrapbook and work on my sewing skills.

Q: What was your most memorable race/moment?

A: Winning state for cross country my junior year as a team and getting all-state to help my team get there. After getting 2nd and 3rd the two years before it was very exciting to finally win.

 

Q: What was the funniest thing that happened during your running career?

A: Last year when we traveled to New York for a XC meet we had vans we drove around. When we were walking out of the hotel I had to run back inside because I had left my pillow in the room. The rest of my van decided it would be funny to see if Coach griffin would notice I was gone so they didn't say anything. He asked if everyone was there, they said yes, and he didn't look behind him to see that there was an empty seat in the middle of the van. Anyways, long story short they let him drive out of the parking lot and down the road without me before telling him and coming back for me. By the time I walked out of the hotel they were back waiting and I didn't realize anything was wrong until everyone showed me videos of him driving away with an empty seat. Griffin was so embarrassed and the videos were so funny it made up for me being stranded at a hotel by my own teammates--And now he can forever be teased about leaving an athlete at a hotel:)

 

Q: Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?

A: I would say my teammates have been some of my biggest competition because they have been with me, pushing me at practice every single day.

 

Q: What was your greatest accomplishment?

A: Helping my team to win state for track and XC several times. It's hard to pick just one time because each state meet was a different experience and different journey to get there and achieve what we did together. 

 

Q: If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?

A: I wouldn't change a thing. I've been blessed with amazing coaches, teammates, and experiences these past 4 years.

 

Q: What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?

A: I got really sick mid XC season this years and missed several races. It was really hard watching my teammates go out and race in big meets and watch from the sidelines. I tried my best to get back into it when I could and support my teammates as much as a could. Thankfully, I was able to come back and race the state series with my team and help them to win state despite the challenges of the season.

 

Q: What will you miss the most?

A: Seeing my teammates everyday and having them there to pick me up on hard days and laugh with me on good days.

 

Q: What advice would you give to younger athletes?

A: Be consistent with your training and try to be the best teammate you can be. It's not always what you do on the days you feel great that make a good teammate and runner it's what you do on the days you don't feel like running. Show up everyday and give it your best and encourage your teammates to do the same. A positive team mentality can make all the difference on a hard day. 

 

Q: What kind of an impact has your coach had on you and your team?

A: All of my coaches have been amazing in their own ways to get the team to everything we have achieved. Coach Griffin has been so dedicated to this team and our training over the years. He always listens to us and how we are feeling and what we need while also making sure we get the training we need to be successful. I will never forget Coach Painting and his screaming as I run a race. He always has the best things to yell and is always looking out for us. 

 

Q: What are your college plans?

A: I will be running at Truman state university next year.

 

Q: Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?

A: All of my coaches, teammates, family members, and competitors for pushing me to do my best and the best memories.