Salute to Seniors : Samantha Nightingale - Blue Springs South


What was your most memorable race?
I have had many memorable races in my past, from two All-American cross country races, All-State in the 800m, and winning the state cross country championships twice but the race that gets to me the most is winning the 1600m at state this past year. Knowing that I was not favored to win that race at all and to surprise everyone including myself, just made that race 10x more sweet.
Who was your biggest competition?
 
I feel that my biggest competition was myself, I had to find myself as a runner. All four years, I didn't exactly have any training partners so I had to run against the clock at practice. I feel that running by myself, was a huge advantage against my competitors because I was used to running on my own when my competition would depended on their team always being there.
 
Out of all of your high school accomplishments which stands out the most?
 
I feel that becoming an All-American is my biggest accomplishment, because not only was I named an All-American once, I was grateful enough to be a two-time All-American. Not many athletes can be an All-American, let alone be names an All-American twice. 
 
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
 
 If I could go back and change anything, I would actually train on the off season throughout my high school career. I now know that off season training means everything during the season, if you don't have a strong base than the season is 10x harder. 
 
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
 
 
I had to overcome many obstacles while running in high school, from passing out to tearing a ligament in my knee, but the obstacle that stands out to me was learning how to deal with being the underdog. I felt that not many people believed in me and my running until my senior year, I was always overlooked and it hurt that people didn't believe in me. When I ran, I always ran with a chip on my shoulder, not to prove to everyone else but to prove to myself that I was good enough to accomplish my own goals. 
 
 
What will you miss the most?
 
 
I will miss my supporting family, understanding coaches, fantastic teammates, and caring friends. My teammates mean the world to me and I can't imagine not standing at the starting line with them, they are my best friends and the girls that are always there for me. I will also miss QT, everyone loves a fountain drink from Quik Trip after an amazing run. 
 
 
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
 
My advice to younger athletes would be to cherish each and every moment you have with your team. High school only happens once, and I believe that running in high school has brought me friends that I will have for the rest of my life. I would also have to say to never give up, always believe in yourself no matter what's going on always believe. You can do anything to put your mind to, trust me. 
 
 
What are your college plans?
 
For the next four years I will be attending Oklahoma State University, running cross country and indoor/outdoor track. I plan to major in Sociology, but anything can change. 
 
Who would you like to say thank you to?
 
I would love to say thank you to my amazing mother, who is my biggest fan and never failed to forget my chocolate covered doughnut and pickle. My great team, who has always had my back and supported me no matter where I was running. My head coach aka my "Four-Year-Father", who has made me the runner I am today and has pushed me harder than anyone has ever before. My other coach, Emily Tipton who I have spent countless hours with and has helped me become the mature young lady I have grown to be today. The KC Metro for supporting me for four years, and the state of Missouri, for letting me represent the state on the national level. 
 
To the class of 2012, this senior class has left a legacy that will be remembered for years. I want to say congrats to seniors on the amazing accomplishments, and good luck on your next chapter in life. It's been real Missouri, thanks for the smiles, tears, and countless miles. 
 

 

More Coverage

Samantha's Athlete Profile

2012 College Signings

 

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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