When and how did you get into track and field?
I got into the track and field when I was 5 years old. I started running because my brother was running and my mom ran up at Umaine in college. So they put me in when I was 5 years old and I guess I did pretty good so I kept with it.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
Andrew Farr. I tell you that kid is something special every time he runs ... everybody at the track stops and watches. The amount of battles we've had during races. I remember trying to beat him out in the first lap of the 400 and then when there was about 120m left in the race I swear that kid always has another gear and he'd just fly by me. That is one thing I'm going to miss the most racing against him because I know he's about to give it everything he has to win the race and he's never gonna give up. That's what I love about racing him. I'm definitely going to miss that.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My is accomplishment in track was winning Nationals in the 110h when I was the one of the last seeds. It was better than getting my first Fortnite win.
How has track and field impacted your life?
Track I feel has impacted my life by always being the sport I could rely on to just go out there and run for just myself. Whenever I ran felt free of everything, all the stress and other things went away. Hurdling was the biggest escape just being free when I jump over the hurdles. But now I am retired from track and field. As of right now retirement feels good. I might make a return in the future though.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
I tore my hamstring at Nationals. It was a long and super hard process of rebuilding all my strength. I knew I had to speed up the process because states was coming up and I knew I had to run If we were going to win states. This was one of the hardest fights of my life mentally and physically. I had to physically get the strength back in my leg to hurdle again and to also run without it hurting. But the mental aspect was definitely the hardest part, just thinking in the back of my head every time I went to hurdle that there's a possibility that I could tear my hamstring again. But I knew I had to get over that and think positive about doing it for my team not just for myself so I pushed through it. I came back and won both hurdle races.
How do you prepare for competitions?
I get a good nights rest instead of making brownies "cough cough". I pack like 5 mins before I need to leave for the bus. But I always get a good nights rest. I eat my mom's special apples apples.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of track and field?
I like to play hoops, football, paint ball play xbox, and best of all taking naps. I'm better at taking naps than I am at hurdling.
What influence has your coach had on your high school career?
Coach V, has been everything to me. I started running for him when I was a little 5'8 140 pound freshman. All he saw was greatness when I didn't even see it. He built me from the ground up, giving me confidence by making me faster, teaching me about running form, and getting me stronger. He taught me all the little things I needed to know about hurdling to get me to that level I am at today. He has played more than a big role in developing me to become the athlete I am today. When I texted him no matter what time he would respond in less than a minute. I remember I texted him in Arizona at 12:00 so it was 3 o'clock here and I remember getting a text back at 12:01. That just shows his love for his athletes. Best of all he is always joking with the team roasting us and always giving us a good laugh. But always ready to get down to business when we had to work.
What are your college plans?
I'm going to North Carolina Central to study Business and play Division 1 Football.
What are your long term goals?
To graduate college, play in the NFL, and raise a family.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I like to say thank you to my Mom and Dad for always being there for me. To my brother and sister thanks for all the laugh and competing with me to get me better. Even when it was a 2v1 against me.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
Keep working, keep pushing, if you want
something you need to put in the work and go
get it.
