Salute to Seniors: Tyler White (Orono HS)

Tyler White - Orono HS

 

What was your most memorable race?Winning the 4x400 at states this past outdoor season. It was a very close race and every leg counted, and it was great to contribute to the relay as a distance runner. It meant more than any other win because our whole relay got to have the experience. It was awesome to go out the last race of high school as a state champion. 

Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?Probably breaking the school two mile record back in January. It was the biggest goal I had individually that I wanted to obtain before I graduated, so it was awesome fulfilling that goal. Also, I would have to say that winning Eastern Maine's during cross country as a team and individually in the mudbath at Belfast will also stand out for a very long time. 

If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school? Definitely it would have been to start running sooner. I had never done track before I tried indoor my sophomore year, and I regret not starting track sooner on a daily basis. Also, of course I wish I had run more milage. 

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?I know I'm not speaking just for myself when I say this; our track "team" is really more like a family. You spend so much time together and you workout, laugh and cry with eachother that sometimes it can take its toll. They're problems that everyone has to deal with on a team, but overcoming some of the relationships and problems can be challenging sometimes.

What will I miss the most?I will definitely miss seeing the people on the team everyday, and seeing all of my friends and competitors from other schools at meets. Everybody around is friendly and supportive of each other and you have to make sure you don't take that for granted. 

What advice you would give to younger athletes?To not let one race influence you dangerous amounts--whether it be a very awful race or a very good race, you cannot let one race change your mindset and dictate your season. You have to carry on and look forward. 

What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?It is weird to think that you see your coach(s) at school or at practice just as much as you see your parents when you get home, or when they get home from work on a daily basis. My coaches have taught me so much about character and about life that how to become a better runner was just a bonus. The things I have learned from them I always have, and always will use to attack any goals. 

What are your college plans?I am going to major in "social and behavioral sciences with a concentration in counseling" at the University of Southern Maine, and I will be running cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track.

Who would you like to say thank you to? I would like to say thanks to my parents for supporting me, but a special thank you to my mom for literally making me do track my sophomore year. I learned that I always have to try new things. Also thank you to the kids on my teams and kids on other teams who have made track and cross country so fun and welcoming. Thank you to all of my several coaches who have always been there through the good times and the bad, and for helping me learn everything I know. Also a shout out to Derek, who spends so much time working on the website and making it easy to follow track/xc around the state

 

 

Personal Bests

  • 1,600 Meter Run 4:38.11

  • Two Mile Run 9:59.97

  • 3,200 Meter Run 10:06.21

  • Three Mile Run 16:22.73

  • 5,000 Meter Run 16:41.74

  • 800 Meter Run 2:02.85

  • One Mile Run 4:35.02