Salute to Seniors Josh Wynne Thornton Academy
What was your most memorable race?
My most memorable race was during my Senior Outdoor Track season at the York County Championships, where I competed in the 800m. Although I did not get the outcome I wanted, as I finished 2nd, it was such a great accomplishment not only as a runner but as a person as well, as I had worked incredibly hard over four years to position myself to compete as one of York County’s best 800m runners. The race was also the last time I competed as an individual on my home track.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments which stands out the most?
The Outdoor Southwestern’s during my Senior season where I placed 5th in the 800m. The previous year I missed the qualifying standard for the 800m by .16, and I was forced to watch the race from the bleachers. Just one year later with hard work I was able to qualify for the meet but also able to place 5th, improving my time by over 8 seconds from the previous Outdoor season.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
Although playing soccer at the High School level was some of the most memorable moments of my time at Thornton Academy, I do wish I had made the switch to run Cross Country sooner, as I could only imagine the endless possibilities of where I could be as a runner today.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
I set very high expectations for myself as a runner, and the nerves before a race were a huge obstacle as the race became a mental obstacle.
What will you miss the most?
The coaching staff, teammates, and the running community as a whole. There is no other sport with such a strong bond and respect even between competing athletes.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Always believe in yourself, and that you are capable of anything you set your mind and heart too.
What advice have your coaches had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
Do the little things and your hard work will shine in life an on meet days.
What are your college plans?
I will be attending the University of Maine at Farmington as an Elementary Education major. I will also be running Cross Country for the Beavers.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would like to especially say thanks to my Mother and Father, who attended every meet and were always my biggest fans. I always could count on my Mom to be at the start/finish line as I could always talk to her immediately leading up to my race, and after finishing, and my Dad who was located on the far corner of the track cheering me on. I would also like to say thanks to the coaching staff, who had a tremendous impact over my running career (George, Coach Raby, Coach Defo, Coach Reaser, Coach Sheldon, Coach Benham, Coach Wirising). I would also like to say a final thanks to my teammates whom over my years as a runner were like a second family.
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