When and how did you get into track and field?
I joined cross country in seventh grade after my parents suggested it as a way to stay in shape and enjoyed it but stopped running afterwards until the summer before my freshman year, where I then competed in cross country and track.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
My teammate Ben Greene; even though he was significantly better than me, I always enjoyed trying my best to stay with him in workouts and in races, and even though I always lost, I became a better runner for it.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
Running 9:34 in the 3200 and then placing third at the state meet the next week my junior year.
How has track and field impacted your life?
Track has been a way for me to blow off steam and has given me goals to work towards throughout high school. It also has been the source of many friendships and great memories with my teammates.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
I struggled a lot with race anxiety my freshman year, to the point where I only raced once during my freshman cross country season. Over time I figured out how to turn this anxiety into excitement, which has let me enjoy racing a lot more.
How do you prepare for competitions?
Maintaining a familiar routine and not taking it too seriously.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of track and field?
Playing piano, video games, going to Walmart at 11pm.
What influence has your coach had on your high school career?
Big thanks to all of my coaches for not only giving me workouts and planning out my training, but also for being great friends and mentors.
What are your college plans?
I will be running D1 cross country and track at the University of North Florida.
What are your long term goals?
To become a competitive runner in my college's conference in cross country and in the 5k and 10k in track. Timewise, I would like to eventually run sub-14:30 in the 5k and sub-30 in the 10k.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
First and foremost, I give thanks to God. I also thank my coaches, my family, and my teammates. I couldn't have done it without them
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
Don't skip core.
