I have been competing in XC and track since 5th grade. Before that, I would run in local road races with my siblings and mom.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
Abbott Valentine was definitely my biggest competitor during my years of running, over my first three years of high school by far the biggest goal that I had set for myself was to beat him at some point. Abbott pushed me to be as good as I am now, without the motivation that I gained from running with and against him I don't think that I would have developed as well as I had.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
There are some really important achievements that I goals that I accomplished during my high school career but the most important and most rewarding accomplishment of them all were the two team state titles that I won during XC. There are few things in my life that I will be able to look back on as fondly as the time that I spent with my XC team, and winning those state titles was well and away the most fun I have ever had.
How has track and field impacted your life?
The impact that I have received from track came in the form of the time goals that I had set for myself. Achieving these goals through training and commitment carried over into other parts of my life. I learned how much hard work could pay off not only on the track but in school and work as well.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Injury is always what comes to mind first when I think of obstacles for running but I believe that the biggest obstacle that I faced during XC and track was overtraining and the time goals and unrealistic expectations that I had for myself.
How do you prepare for competitions?
I used to be incredibly superstitious about everything running-related. Every little detail had to be the exact same every time but I have come to realize that none of that really matters. I prepare by getting into a good mood and convincing myself that I'm feeling great even if I really don't. You can be in great shape but if you go into a race worrying and unsure of your abilities it's gonna be pretty hard for you to do what you know you can do.
What influence has your coach had on your high school career?
I will never be able to thank Mrs. Johnson enough for her work and passion that has driven me to achieve the goals I would never have even considered possible when I was younger. Her mindset on the team and her focus on my own success will always stay with me.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of track and field?
I love basketball, if Hampden did not offer indoor track I would have played all four years of high school. Other than that I love playing video games and eating. I love food.
What are your college plans?
I am running on scholarship at the University of Maine XC, indoor and outdoor track and field teams.
What are your long-term goals?
I would love to someday make the Olympic trials standard for an event. I would love to break four minutes for the mile in my first two years of college and help bring my team to an NCAA championship in XC.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
Obviously, I would like to thank Mrs. Johnson for everything that she has done for me, My mom has been watching and helping me compete since I started, and if it weren't for her extensive background in running I probably never would have started. Coach Parker as well as my little brother Timmy, and my little sister Julia for being so invested in my running. Julia has gone to every single XC and track meet that I have had for years and she will be joining the HAXC team this fall.
What advice would you give to younger athletes?
Consistency is key to running, Don't run too fast in training, Don't count anyone out, rely on your teammates, stretch before and after every single run, and create a good team environment. If you do these things then you will achieve the goals you have for yourself but only if you do cooldown runs after races and workouts.
