Name: Jacob Hunter
School: Brunswick High School
What was your most memorable race?
My most memorable race was the 4x4 at KVAC's and States this outdoor season. We went into KVAC's seeded fourth and ended up placing second. It was my first championship relay that I was able to be apart of. Than a week later, I was able to run in my first state meet in the 4x4. During the past four years, running at the state meet always seemed like something I would never be able to do. Our team was in the fast heat and went into the state meet seeded 8th. Even though we didn't do as well as we had hoped, we ran as hard as we could and achieved a lot. Running at the state meet will be something I will never forget.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
A lot of the teams from the KVAC are very talented. Competing against teams like Lewiston, Edward Little and Messalonskee is always exciting and helped me run faster times.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
Running 2:16 in the 800 my senior year of Outdoor was easily one of my greatest accomplishments in high school. I had been stuck at 2:17 for almost three years. I had run 2:17.02 this past indoor season so finally achieving that goal was really special. My other greatest accomplishment would be placing 2nd in the 4x4 at this years Outdoor KVAC Championship. I had dreamed of standing on the podium for four years and to finally achieve that goal with my teammates was a dream come true.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I would been more dedicated during the summer and the offseason. There was several times where I should have been running but I was lazy and would take a day off. I feel like I could have been a lot better if I had just put in the work. By the time I had begun getting into shape the season would be half over.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
It was pretty hard to watch everyone improve so rapidly, when I was struggling a lot of the time. Sometimes I took the sport too seriously, so staying positive after a bad race was often difficult.
What will you miss the most?
The thing that I will miss the most is hands down my teammates. The team is really close so leaving next year will be really hard. I'm going to miss the pasta parties, bus rides, adventure runs, dress up days and even 400 repeats. My teammates have become my best friends and I wouldn't have accomplished anything without them. I'll also miss competing in the sport I love. I've run XC/Track since 6th grade so not competing next year will be really different.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
Have fun. Most of the time you're focused on getting a PR in your favorite race, stressing over that 4x4 at the end of the meet or dreading running 400 repeats in the rain. Take it with stride, have fun participating in the sport. Simply put in the work. No matter how fast you are, your goals are possible all you need to do is put in the work. One last thing, try different events! For three years I competed in the 800 every meet. In the middle of my senior year I finally tired the 400 and found out that it was my race. Trying the 400 was the beginning of my dream season where I accomplished all of my goals.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
All my coaches have been supportive, encouraging and helpful the past four years. Coach DeLois has pushed me to improve in not only running but in life. He's supportive in every way possible. I couldn't have asked for a better coach in the past four years. He always believed that I would accomplish my goals and surprise myself along the way.
What are your college plans?
I plan on attending the University of Maine. I'm currently undecided but I'm interested in Education and History. After seven years of running, I have decided to hang them up and not run next year.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
My parents for the support, encouragement and the hours listening to me after a meet about either a PR or a terrible race. Thank you coaches for pushing me and believing in me. Thank you to my teammates for making the past four years more memorable than I could have ever imagined. I also would like to thank the Maine running community. Becoming friends with several athletes across the state has been an absolute privilege.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Quick S/O to my Brunswick Dragon teammates! Love you guys and thank you for everything. We saved the best for last.
More Coverage
Do you know a class of 2015 track and field or cross country athlete? We'd like to salute them! Have them answer the following questions plus send 2-3 photos (can not be from another website or publication) to dveilleux@milesplit.us