Salute to Senior series article on Abingdon distance runner Tanner Cook, who was a Group AA All-State runner in cross country (junior year) and track (indoors this past year). The King College recruit Cook was putting together a strong senior season of cross country including a 15:56 5K PR down at the Wendy's Invitational before an injury shut down his season. Cook came back strong in the indoor season to finish fourth in the Group AA State Indoor Championships with a 9:42 performance in the 3200. Cook would lower his PR's this past spring down to 4:27 for 1600 meters and 9:28 for 3200 meters.
Interview with Abingdon distance runner Tanner Cook
What was your most memorable race?
VHSL State AA XC 2011 when I came in 15th in AA when it was a very deep field and I wasn't even projected in the top 25.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
Definitely Nick Link of Blacksburg. I love racing against Nick even though I haven't had much success against him. Nick and I have developed a friendship over the years though and I wish him the best of luck at NC State.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment would have to be becoming the second-fastest boy in AHS history over 3200 behind only Griff Graves.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
If I could do it all over again and start from scratch, I would definitely start training harder earlier in my career because I felt like I could've gone faster my freshman and sophomore years.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most difficult obstacle I had to overcome was breaking my toe during the first mile of the Albemarle Invitational this passed CC season and missing the postseason.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss running on the streets of my hometown everyday and seeing all the familiar faces on the sidewalks. I will also miss running on the Creeper Trail everyday.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
Advice that I will give to younger athletes: Some days, you have the mo. Some days, you have the jo. Some days, you have the mojo. And some days, things just aren't working for you. Just move on to the next day.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
My coach, Don Cumbow, has been like a father figure to me for four years. I can go to him and ask him about anything in life. Most of the time, the conversation ends up talking about running and we often talk about life.
What are your college plans?
My college plans are to attend King University in Bristol, TN and run for them at the DII level. I plan to major in sport management.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would like to say thank you to my parents, my coaches, Brent Swiney for being the best training partner ever and finally, Audra Yarber for being there with me in the most difficult of times. And for putting up with me for the past 7 months. I couldn't thank her enough.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I'd like to add that Milestat is the best website ever period. I'd like to say also that you get out of this sport what you put in. If you work hard everyday, you'll be great. If not, you won't love this sport like a lot of us do.
