Name: Louis Holway
School: Kennebunk High School
What was your most memorable race? My most memorable race was the Class A XC state championship. I had SATs that morning, so I knew it was going to be a tough day trying to prioritize while giving everything the attention it needed. I was very confident going into that race, and even though I came in a close second, the feeling of success is something I will never forget.
What was your greatest accomplishment? My biggest accomplishment during my high school track career isn't a medal or a specific event, but more about the progress I made. I started track sophomore year as a sprinter and a jumper, and transitioned to distance the spring of my junior year. I'm very glad I did because distance running has become a huge party of my life and a life long passion.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school? I honestly wouldn't change anything. I believe that all things happen for a reason, and mistakes and hurdles (pun intended) have gotten me to where I am today. However, if I could change one thing it would be to take the first 400m of the class a indoor state 1600m out faster because I feel like I could have placed better if I had done that.
What will you miss the most? I will miss my team and my coaches the most. Kennebunk is such a close community with so much support, and I will really miss all of the inside jokes and innuendos our team has.
What advice you would give to younger athletes? Advice I would give to younger athletes would be to try new things. If I hadn't tried distance and stuck with springing and jumping, my life would be very different. Also, I would tell people not to rely on others to motivate you, but to find ways to motivate yourself because that's the only way you will get better.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals? My coach (Coach Fulford) has had tremendous influence in my performance and overall goals. He's so dedicated to all of our success, and I definitely wouldn't have gotten to where I am without him. Coach Panetta has also had a huge influence on my racing. He has taught me so much about track in general, and he's honestly one of the smartest people I know when it comes to track. Finally, Coach Dinehart has taught me what it really means to have a passion for running. Not just racing or getting your times down, but everything about it like people, healthy food, life style, and overall happiness.
What are your college plans? I'm going to Northeastern University and running varsity track and cross country.
Who would you like to say thank you to? Besides the coaches mentioned above, I would like to thank my mom for coming to all of my meets and races, and always supporting me. I 100% could not have done it without her. I would also like to thank my teammates and friends for the love and support, even through harder times.
Is there anything else you'd like to add? How do crazy runners go through the forest? ..... They take the psycho path!
More Coverage
Do you know a class of 2017 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
