What was your most memorable race?My most memorable race was Forest Park this past cross season. It was an incredibly deep field and all of Missouri's top guys were there. I came through the mile about 100 meters back from the leaders and just outside the top 30. I ended up running a 4:55 last mile to finish 5th and run a 34 second pr from the season before. Also the state meet this year was incredible. Winning state had always been my goal and to out right win it felt amazing.Who was your biggest competition?I had many great runners i competed against through my 3 years of cross country and track. Billy Leighton, Drew White, and Eric Schott all pushed me in cross country but my biggest competition in track was the clock for sure. I always loved running fast and doing it from the front. Every runner I raced against I considered my my biggest competition though. On any given day anyone can win, that's why you can't over look anybody.Out of all of your high school accomplishments which stands out the most?I think my biggest accomplishment was our team making it to state all three years of our existence. My mother got our program started my sophomore year and we never had more than 7 guys out at a time. We built a solid program in a short time with such a small team and I'm very proud of that.If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?It would have to be off seasoning training. I Wish I could go back and actually do everything that was needed to be done in order to come into season in shape. The most important thing in this sport is to be dedicated no matter what and i lacked that drive and dedication in the off season.What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?Running in a small school was very tough. I did 90% of my workouts on my own as well as my long runs. I loved my teammates in High School, but being the only 1600 and 3200 meter runner on my team was rough. Also our asphalt track took a toll on my legs after workouts. I would have to ice bath at least three times a week to recover my legs.What will you miss the most?I will miss my team a lot, but i think i will miss the feel of a high school meet the most. I really enjoyed High School XC and the environment around it. I talked a lot and met a lot of friends along the way. It is the friendliest sport around and you meet so many great people.Do you have any advice for younger athletes?Always have fun! Never get to hard on your self or get down because of a bad race. Everyone has a bad race and you can bounce back the next week. Also remember this, "We run on grass, not paper!" That was my coach's quote and means that you can't go off predictions or what people say. Only worry about your race and that should be your only focus. Do not let what others say affect your mindset. Race for you and your team not others.What are your college plans?I will be running Cross Country and Indoor/Outdoor Track and Field at Southern Illinois University this fall. I will be majoring in Mechanical Engineering and plan on getting my masters. Hopefully i will get to race many of the great Missouri runners while attending college. Go Saluki's!!Who would you like to say thank you to?I would like to thank my mother for always motivating me and never missing a meet (also spending a fortune on shoes), My step dad, Kevin, for helping guide me through life and being there for me whenever i needed help, and i could never forget my grandparents for being the greatest grandmother and grand farther i could ever ask for! I would also like to thank god for giving me everything i have and have achieved in life. Also Missouri Milesplit for all the hard work you guys put in and we all appreciate it very much.
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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.
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> <em style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: invert none 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana;">Want to be featured in our Salute To Seniors series? Email PEverett@milesplit.com and answer the questions above! Congratulations to the seniors on all their hard work and success.</em><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana;"> </span></p> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p> </p>
