SCISA Championships: Ed Sessions Interview


Name: Ed Sessions
Personal bests: 100-11.28, 200-23.03, 4X100- 44.7, 4X400- 3:38.77, 4X200- 1:35.24
Academic interests: Psychology, english, and lunch for sure.
Hobbies: My hobbies are writing, running, and video games.
Favorite quote: "Smooth seas never made a skilled sailors." - FDR

How did you get involved in the sport? 
I was always called fast when I was younger, but I never decided to actually join the sport until Coach Salley brought it up to me. 

Tell us about your thoughts on this season so far? 
This season I believe that we are the underdogs. Our coaches have had a major impact throughout the season. They've really made sure that we always have our chin up and looking to win state. 

How do you look at being one of the
top-ranked SCISA athletes
I honestly can't believe it. I've gotten a lot of hate while running from competitors, but it has all been worth it. I proved them all wrong.

How are you feeling the week of the SCISA Championships? 
I'm feeling pretty stellar. I can't wait for state. 

What is it like for you to be able to compete in public school meets and place? 
It is a good way to see other competition out of our division. 

From your success in 2017, what goals did you have at the beginning of the season and for the rest of the season? 
I really wanted to go through the season without any injuries... so far a success *knocks on wood*. I'm wanting to break two records at our school, so I am hoping that I do that at state. 

What's your favorite event and why?
My favorite event is the 4X100 because we are very competitive and practice a lot for that relay. I also like the feeling of running the last leg and finishing the race.

What has been your biggest challenge in the sport? 
My biggest challenge is not getting injured. I have injured my hip a few times and been taken out of a few seasons because of it. 

Do you have any post season meet plans?
Definitely working out more, and working harder on running to get ready for college. 

Walk us through a race for you (from pre race until post race). 
Before the race I do some classic stretches from A skips to lunges. I make sure I am loose enough to run. While I'm stretching I listen to my usual playlist. The song I listen to last is "Kickstart My Heart"  by Mötley Crüe. As I get into my blocks I think of the guitar solo in the song and use that as my pump up music. As I run my mind goes blank and then before I know it I finish the race. Then I immediately take my shoes off after. 

How and when did you start training for track and field this season? 
I train year round with my trainer Stacey Dove. He has helped me tremendously through my running carrier. 

What do you enjoy the most about the
Porter Gaud team? 
Their enthusiasm. They always have a positive attitude and strive to push each other to do their best. 

What do you feel you have learned from your coaches, teammates and the sport? 
I've learned a lot. One of the biggest things I've learned though is: Never ever forget that you've got a team behind you. They are always there for you no matter what. 

What would like to see happen in the future? 
I would love to see Porter-Gaud continue their streak of championships, and to be led by Coach Knight, one of the best and quirkiest coaches I have ever had. 

If there is one thing in the world you could do, what would it be and why? 
I believe that I would want to be able to start a non-profitable restaurant that every person would love to eat at.