What was your most memorable race?
My most memorable race would have to be my last one, the state 800. Usually when I think about my past races, the failures stick out in my mind more than the others. But this race was more than just a failure. I really struggled with my love and passion for the sport my senior year, and when I crossed the finish line, I couldn’t help but to stand there and let my emotions get the best of me. And as the tears rolled down my face, I realized how much I actually cared about running, which has motivated me more now than anything else before.
Who was your biggest competition?
My biggest competition has always been myself. I am always in a battle against myself whether it comes to pain tolerance, how hard to push myself, or self-motivation.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments which stands out the most?
My favorite accomplishment in high school would have to be making the state meet my freshman year in the 4x8. My team and I worked really hard to get to the meet and I was very close with the guys on it. This accomplishment allowed me to experience the state track atmosphere at a very early point in my high school career, which definitely helped me for the next three years.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
If I could change one thing it probably would be to train more in the off season. I would run very inconstantly and sparingly during off seasons and I wish that I would have stayed more consistent and would of put the miles in like I should of especially earlier on in my career. I’m proud to say that I have learned from those mistakes now, though!
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Again, my attitude towards the sport was probably the most difficult obstacle to overcome. I just wasn’t in it emotionally or mentally my senior year. I’m a firm believer in everything happens for a reason, and after my failed state 800 this past May, I felt that passion for running come back bigger and stronger than ever.
What will you miss the most?
I’ll miss my teammates the most. We’ve had some great memories bonding over long hours on the roads and long hours at Olive Garden. I couldn’t have asked for better ones.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Simply, just stick with whatever you makes happy and put all your heart into it. No matter the trials or tribulations that may occur-- and trust me they will occur—keep your head up and just keep moving along.
What are your college plans?
I will be attending and running for Saint Louis University this fall. I plan on double majoring in Biology and Theological Studies.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
First off, I would like to thank God for simply giving me the ability to run. To all of my parents and my older siblings, I would like to thank you as well for introducing me to this sport and supporting me in every endeavor of my life. I also like to thank Coach Nienhaus who over 4 years I have developed a remarkable relationship with and who works tirelessly and compassionately to coach his athletes every day in track, and my cross country coaches: Coach Ebert, Coach Burger, Coach Elledge, Coach Lauren and Coach Kozi who worked hours on hours to accommodate our 100+ members while still finding time to accommodate our varsity team. And finally, I would like to thank all of my teammates and my friends for being there and supporting me in my high school career. You guys are all beyond awesome.
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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