What was your most memorable race?
Two races stick out as very memorable. The first was Sectionals for Track last year, sneaking in at 4th place and qualifying for the State meet in the 3200. It proved months of hard work paid off. The other was this year’s cross country sectional, finishing 2nd overall after battling with low-iron levels all season. That confidence heading into State was awesome!
Who was your biggest competition?
It was definitely my own teammates. We pushed each other every day to get better. With a team of close to a 100 guys, earning varsity spots was competitive and we had to push each other to help the team get where we wanted it. At the same time even with a competitive nature, we were still family. Guys like Michael McLaughlin, Joe Meier, Bill Gabler, Alan Ratermann, Joe Esswein, and Tim Rackers will all stick out as teammates who help pushed me to be a better runner, and I loved racing with them.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments which stands out the most?
Getting third in Cross Country as a team in 2010 stands out a lot. We wanted to win the title that year, but looking back, I wouldn’t trade anything for the group we had that year. That third place trophy is a tangible reminder of the hard work we put in to chase our goals. That team really was like family to me. Getting voted team captain this past Cross Country season meant a lot to me as well. Being looked at as a leader was a great honor.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I honestly wouldn’t change much. I am not a big believer in regrets, and I try to find understanding in all that’s happened. Sure, I wish I could have finished higher at the State meet and achieved All-State recognition once. I was always so nervous heading into State track and cross country so I wish I could have controlled my nerves and had better races at State.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The toughest obstacle for me was to understand how to deal with disappointment. I had to learn that bad races and injuries come and go and that rather than dwell on them, you have to readjust and make the best out of it. A valuable lesson for me was to learn that running is a rollercoaster. There are many ups and downs. Hang on and enjoy the ride. If every run was a good one, the sport would get monotonous.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss my teammates. I had 100 of them each year, and they were always there for me. I will miss that support system. I will also be missing the Missouri High School community. It is such a close-knit group, and it is really fun to be around.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Fall in love with this sport. You only get to be a competitive runner for so long. Train hard and set goals. Sure, you won’t meet them all, but use disappointment to fuel success. Be the best teammate you can be at all times!
What are your college plans?
I am attending and running for Saint Louis University this fall. I am majoring in Political Science. I also am rooming with Jeff Orf and look forward to being teammates with him.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
My parents, first and foremost. They always were there for me, and I know it’s not always easy living with a runner. My teammates, who I am convinced, are the best around. They were like brothers. Lastly, thanks to all my coaches. Especially thanks to Coach Joe Porter, whose passion for the sport always inspires me. And to Coach Tom Flanagan, who was always there to pick me up in the midst of frustration and disappointment. The biggest thanks go out to all these people, not for making me a better runner, but for encouraging me to become the best person possible. That’s what it is all about!
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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