Salute to Seniors: Dixie's Jeremiah Boyd

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What was your most memorable race/competition?
My most memorable race was the Class A cross country championships in 2017. I was on pace to run a massive P.R. but with about .75 mile to go I swallowed a wasp that stung me on the uvula or dingle dangle in the back of the throat. My throat began to swell up as I continued on in third place. I barely made it across the finish line, but I maintained my third place spot. It was an excruciating evening after the race, but our team took home the runner-up trophy, so it was worth it. 

Out of all your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
My sophomore year, our XC team won the Class A state Championship. It was an incredible team experience. We had incredible team chemistry, and work ethic. That team has served as a model for all XC teams I have been apart of afterwards.         

If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school? 
There are very few things I would change. I have learned so much from each step of the way. The one thing I would change is to improve my stride earlier. I would be faster now if I would have changed my running form as a freshmen.

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Overcoming injuries early in my career was very difficult. I have learned how to stay healthier, but the first two years I spent getting dinged up all the time.

What will you miss the most?
I will miss the XC family. our team is incredibly tight knit. We are all willing to sacrifice for the team. I will miss our hard workouts and long runs together.

Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
My advice to younger athletes is to get better at each practice. Don't just survive each workout. Allow it to make you better, and learn from each race. 

How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals?
Our coaches at Dixie are incredible. They have been with me every step of the way. Through injuries, P.R's, plateau's, wins, and losses my coaches have been there to pull me back up for the next race. I hope to be able to reach athletes the way my coaches have reached me. 

What kind of impact did your family have on your time as a high school student-athlete? 
My parents and grandparents have been really supportive throughout my high school career. From loads of shoes to late nights at a track meet they have been there cheering all the way. My Dad has been my race strategy analyst as well as the data collector. He has probably spent too many hours on scrunners to help his boys compete. My mom has has been the recovery manager. Muscle rubs, protein shakes, pasta, and more. My grandparents have helped supply me with shoes (a daunting task) and are always encouraging. My brother has been an incredible teammate for three years. We have grown and improved together. I know that he is ready to fill my shoes as lead runner at Dixie. I'm really proud of our accomplishments together and cannot wait to see how fast his legs can take him. I want to thank my entire family for their support and prayers throughout my career.  

What are your college or post-high school plans?
I will be attending Winthrop University next fall. I plan to major in math education, and compete in cross country, indoor, and outdoor track.

What do you hope to achieve after high school?
I hope to become a xc/track coach and inspire my athletes. Obviously I hope to coach state champions.  

Do you see yourself coaching in the future? Please explain and if so, what level and why? 
I wholeheartedly want to coach High School. My coaches have played such an important role in my high school life. I hope that I can inspire and care for my athletes like they did for me.

Shout-outs?
I want to thank Adam Weyer for his incredible knowledge in athletic training. He has got me through a host of injuries. I also want to thank coach Harris for teaching me how to race on a track. Coach Gamble for training us to be tough as nails. Coach Stone for his super hype celebrations at the finish line. Coach Harbert for showing me the intangibles of coaching. Coach Morton for loving me like her own son, and getting me hooked on Winthrop. Big shoutout to Hamilton Patrick my teammate for showing me how to be an encouraging leader, and to Annie Hesselgrave for restoring my love for track and teaching. 

If there is one thing in the world you could do, what would it be and why? 
I would want to give poor schools funding for their xc teams. Lots of poor schools can't afford jerseys and shoes for their athletes.