Wando senior Zach Davis talks about indoor competition, his team and the start of his time in the sport until now.
Athlete name: Zach Davis
School: Wando High School
Year of graduation: 2016
Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, and boating
Best times: 800: 1:57.21, 1,000: 2:37.30
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
This season I am really looking to focus on the 800. Last season did not go as smooth as I had planned, and I am prepared to have a strong outdoor season this year.
How is winter training going?
Winter training is going very well. I feel strong going into this season.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I started running for the Mount Pleasant Track Club in seventh grade. I was not very good when I started, but I fell in love with the sport anyways. I joined the Wando team in ninth grade where my coach taught me that it takes a lot more than talent to be a successful runner. My six years of running have changed me a lot.
Do you have a specific motivation?
I believe that the biggest competition I face is myself, and I am always striving to push harder. In this sport, you get what you give.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
After state meet I may compete in some out of state meets individually.
What do you enjoy about the Wando team?
I love my team because we have such a competitive spirit. We enjoy pushing each other and working together to exceed expectations.
Do you have any future running plans?
I am looking at Clemson University and I am very interested in running there next year, but I do not have my college plans finalized yet.
Do you have a pre-race tradition?
I like to reflect on my training and all the work I have already put in. I go into races with the mindset that I have already done the hard part and now I can reap the benefits of my training.
What race strategy works best for you?
I like to run an honest race. I want to go out hard and not back down on the pace, because I trust my training and will not back down from a challenge.
How did you overcome the challenge?
My biggest challenge was injury. I broke my wrist in a gutsy finish in the 800 at Coaches Classic last year, and had to have surgery mid-season to implant a metal plate in my wrist. I trained on a stationary bike for a week until I got back on the track wearing a brace.
What was your favorite race in your high school career?
My favorite race from my high school career was the running the 800 leg of the Warrior Medley at the Mellow Mushroom Relays last year. This is our home meet at Wando, and our own event consisting of 200-200-400-800. Coach put me in the B team because he knew I would run a strong anchor leg and I could still place well. When I was handed the baton, we were in eighth place, and at least 50 meters behind the leader, which was our A team. I decided that I had nothing to lose and went out very hard. Over the next 800 meters I gave it all and finished second, with my teammate finishing ahead of me. This was my first time breaking two minutes, unofficially, and it was very exciting.
Favorite running memory?
My favorite running memory was winning the Sandpaper Classic 800. It was my first major win and it was a big breakthrough for me.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
I like kayaking, hunting, fishing, going to the beach, and pretty much anything outdoors.
Tell us about traveling to North Carolina (David Oliver Classic) this past weekend. What was the experience like?
It was my first time running on an indoor track, and also my first 1000. I was pretty happy with the result considering I had no idea what I was doing. It was a completely new experience for me and I really enjoyed it. I had so much fun that I may run another indoor race soon.
Favorite quote?
"Whether you think that you can, or that you can't, you are usually right." -Henry Ford
If there is one thing you could do in the world what would it be and why?
If I could change one thing in the world I would want everyone to have an education. Knowledge is powerful, and the world would greatly benefit from a more educated population.