Salute to seniors: James Island's Alex Forster

What was your most memorable race/competition?
The Ponds Invitational Sept. 6 in 2015. While in third place behind two other teammates, I took a wrong turn and the whole race followed me. We all ended up lost in the woods and never finished the race. You can imagine a bunch of girls screaming.

Where did you face your biggest competition?
Moving up to Class AAAA for my senior year of high school meant that we had to race at a more competitive level. Racing against the fastest girls in the state at the XC state meet this year was really competitive! Those Riverside girls are FAST!

Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
This year I completed my first half marathon with some girls on my team. We trained harder than we ever have before and the hard work paid off in my track season! The half marathon made me a whole different runner.

If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
I've only been racing for three years and if I could go back, I would've started running sooner in my life. Time flies.

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most frustrating thing ever is to be on the bubble of varsity but not quit there yet. My junior year, I pushed myself very hard to claim my spot on varsity and to keep it.

What will you miss the most?
My team is my family. I spend more time with them than I do with anyone else. I'm going to miss all the small moments with them that make you smile and remember why you love your sport.

Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Live in every moment and enjoy every workout and every race. Listen to your coaches and use your teammates to make yourself a better runner. ICE. ICE. ICE.

How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals?
Without Coach (Dave) Lee, I would never have started running competitively! My coaches have always been there to support me even on the bad days when I'm not hitting my workout goals. They continue to push me and build goals to hit. Without them, I wouldn't have the career behind me that I have.

What are your college plans?
I'm going to be running for Wofford's track and XC teams! I couldn't be more excited! I'm in love with the WoCo!

Shout-outs?
Lynsie, Mary, and Heather~ thanks for making my last season one to remember! For the rest of my team~ good luck Trojans! I couldn't have asked for a better team!