Salute to Seniors: Colby Shumway Scarborough High School

Jul 15, 2024

When and how did you get into track and field?

I needed a sport to do in 1st grade, and I started running Spring Cross Country. I haven't looked back since.

Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?

I would say my biggest competition over my last 4 years would have to have been Baxter Merriam. While he was my teammate, we would always push each other to be our best in every workout and race throughout the last 3 years.

What was your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest running accomplishment would certainly be my mile pr of 4:31 at states this year, as well as my 800 pr of 2:02 at southwesterns. In both of these races, I scored individually for the first time as well, so to pr and score individually in championship races meant a lot.

How has track and field impacted your life?

Track and Field has impacted my life very positively, and it has taught me so many lessons regarding the value of hard work and dedication. I will take these lessons with me where ever I go for the rest of my life.

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?

The most difficult obstacles I had to overcome over my last few seasons has to have been my mindset. Before this outdoor season, my mindset going into races was nothing short of atrocious and it showed. I would get extremely nervous, unconfident, and negative before virtually every race and it certainly impacted my performances. However, I realized this problem going into outdoor this year and did my best to overcome it. I can confidently say I did overcome these issues, as I pred in every race this last season.

How do you prepare for competitions?

I have the same breakfast before every single race (bagel with lox), and I calm my nerves down by watching my favorite show (curb your enthusiasm) on the bus ride to every single meet.

What influence has your coach had on your high school career?

Coach Harmon had a tremendously positive impact on me throughout my career. Since he was an extremely accomplished runner himself, he was filled with knowledge regarding the sport in every way. I believe Coach Harmons calm demeanor, and openness to change during the past XC season allowed our team to flourish in ways we did not expect at all during XC. Going into the season, we were seeded extremely low, and nobody expected us to even get a top 5 finish at states. However, Coach Harmon adapted our training plan and believed in us every step of the way, and we got 2nd at states and were only 10 points away from winning the whole thing. I owe so much of our team's success, as well as my own success to Coach Harmon, for his patience, knowledge, and dedication to this sport.

Coach Veilleux has also had a great impact on me throughout my running career. He has always pushed myself and my teammates to be the best runners we can possibly be, and he has hammered to me the importance of consistency and confidence in training and racing. I admire Coach Veilleux and his knowledge of this sport as well. It makes perfect sense that he has won dozens of state championships as a coach, no easy feat at all.

Coach Jones has had an extremely profound impact on my running throughout High School. He easily could have completely given up on me, considering how little I worked freshman year and sophomore year, but he always did his best to encourage me to keep going. During my junior year, I began to put in a lot more work, and he never stopped believing in me throughout the way. For me to go from a 7:34 mile my freshman year to a 4:31 mile my senior year is almost a complete testament to his excellent coaching, and I cannot thank him enough for his dedication to myself and my teammates. I would say Coach Jones is up there with the all-time greats of Maine track and field coaches.

Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of track and field?

I love to ski, mountain bike, and read.

What are your college plans?

I plan to go to American University in Washington DC, where I plan to major in Political Science. I hope to run track there as well.

What are your long-term goals?

My long-term goals are sub 1:55 in the 800, sub 4:20 in the mile, and sub 15 in the 5K, and maybe sub 8:50 in the 3k if I try that event.

Who would you like to say thank you to?

I would like to say thank you to my teammates, coaches, parents, and all others who have encouraged, helped, and supported my throughout my years of High School running.

What advice would you give to younger athletes?

I would say never give up on yourself, stay consistent and practice confidence and not getting too nervous for races. If I can go from a 7:34 mile to a 4:31 mile, then I truly believe anybody can if they put in the consistency, work, and time. Confidence and consistency are the main keys to success in this sport.