What was your most memorable race/competition?
Definitely the Stonewall Jackson Invite. I won that race on a course that meant a lot to us as a team and a lot to our senior year cross country coach, Col. Gesker.
Where did you face your biggest competition? or What was your favorite meet and why?
My favorite meet was definitely the Stonewall Jackson meet. Besides winning the race, it was an overnight meet so we got to hangout as a team before the race. We also won this meet on both the boys and girls sides, as well as having most of the varsity place in the top 15, so that just put the icing on the cake for me. In track I also liked the WCAC meet since I placed third in the mile – something that surprised me since I knew the competition was tough and I just wanted to run a PR.
If you could, what would you do differently with your high school running career?
I would do my summer training earlier. I didn’t run over the summer until I was a rising junior. That was a big mistake.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
I am not sure there is just one answer to this question. I won a race, got all-state catholic, all-state Virginia Independent, and was part of a 4x8 relay that was second at states indoor and eventually went to Penn Relays. I also was third at WCACs in the mile and fourth in the 3200. It was definitely a long year filled with ups and downs but I can’t really say there was one accomplishment that stands out most to me.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Myself! I had to tell myself that it was going to hurt and that I could do it! I had a rough end to my cross country season and didn’t run as well as I think I could have. But I had to tell myself that I needed to come back and train hard for indoor track.
What was your most difficult workout?
I don’t think there was one workout that was more difficult than the others – they all were difficult in their own ways.
What will you miss the most?
I am going to miss my teammates and the coaching staff at PVI! They all have pushed me to be the best runner I can be and I am thankful for all of them!
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals?
Yes. Coaches Fanale and Hutson have both been instrumental in getting me to where I am today. They both have pushed me to be the best runner and person I can be. They also gave me advice when I needed it most. I am not sure how my high school running career would have been without them.
What are your plans for college?
I am going to Virginia Tech where I will in the architecture program. Go Hookies!
What is your advice for an incoming freshman running/competing in the same events as you did?
It is going to hurt. That is what I tell myself before every race. But once you are done, the glory is forever and the pain is only temporary.
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