What was your most memorable race/competition?
2012 VHSL XC State Meet. It was my first time becoming an All-State runner, and breaking 16:00 for the 5k. As soon as I crossed the finish line, I collapsed and passed out. That part wasn't to enjoyable, but afterwards, I had so much support from my coaches and team. I remember my coach, Coach Sarver, laughing and joking around with me, while I was on the ground puking.
Where did you face your biggest competition? or What was your favorite meet and why?
Probably Dogwood invite. We raced the DMR, and we qualified for nationals and shattered our previous school record.
If you could, what would you do differently with your high school running career?
Not race the 3200m so much.. I always asked to do it sophomore and junior year. I should have focused on the mile, because the one year I did, I went down to 4:24.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
After the 2012 Cross Country season, I was nominated Chesapeake's Cross Country Runner of the Year. It was a huge honor to have!
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Shin splints. It forced me to end my senior outdoor track season early, preventing me from competing in regionals, states, and nationals. It was a huge disappointment, but I've recovered, and am ready for a great season running for VMI.
What was your most difficult workout?
It is tough to decide between either our 4xmile repeats, where my teammate Andrew Eason and I hit 4:32 for our first mile, and contiuned to go sub 5 for the rest of them, or the 16x400 where the recovery was extremely short. Both were very difficult!
What will you miss the most?
My team! I'm so used to being with the same people everyday, for four years. It's been a great honor to be one of the captains of such a great team. They helped me through so much, and were always there for me. When I got injured with shin splints, they were there for me, making sure I was doing well. Also my coaches. Their support and dedication got me to where I am today, and I am blessed to have them in my life.
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals?
They always were there for us. They guided us to success, and made sure we were on the right path. The support from our coaches is amazing!
What are your plans for college?
I will be running for VMI. I know a good amount of runners already there, and some good friends are going to be running there next year with me. It's going to be a great team!
What is your advice for an incoming freshman running/competing in the same events as you did?
Make your running a priority, you get what you put into it. Make goals, and chase after them! Also, never give up! No matter how much it hurts, how much you want to quit. One of my favorite quotes is, "Pain is temporary, Pride is forever." Be patient and trust the plan!
Shout Outs?
First, God. I pray before every race, and ask for the strength to finish. Next, my family. They supported me throughout all of my running career so far. Through the good and bad, they were always there. Third, the other two of the "Big Three" Andrew Eason and Austin Wozniak. I've trained with them for the past four years. There's no way I would be where I am today without them! Best of luck at Virginia Tech!! Finally, my team at Hickory High School, both coaches and runners. They made the past four years amazing. Running isn't too much fun, with the whole suffering part, but with them, there was never a dull moment. Team Track!!
