Shrine Bowl Run Interview: Jonathan Roberts of Byrnes

What does it mean to be named to the Shrine Bowl Run team and helping
the hospital?
It means a lot. I fully support everything that Shriner's Hospital does.  I count it as an honor to be selected to help with such a great cause. 

What did you hear about the Shrine Bowl Run before this year?
I heard about how it is a special run for the top runners of the State and that it helps contribute to the Shrine Bowl game and the fundraising that occurs at the game.

What do you hope to experience during The Run?
I hope that I will enjoy not only the run, but also hanging out with the other runners. It's always great to talk to other runners about the different experiences that we have had.

How are you preparing to run with a football?
I've been watching a lot of film and going through a ton of drills in my backyard. Just kidding! I'm not worried at all.

How would you rate your senior season?
I would rate it a 10. I have no regrets and I am so glad that God has given me the passion for this sport! I only wish that we would have gotten 9th (instead of 10th) at State so my Asst. Coach Griffin Eubanks would have had to get a mullet!

What future goals do you have?
I hope to have a great Track season, especially since I was part of the team that won the 2019 Track State Championship.  I hope to come out fast and ultimately go for the repeat!

Have you made the decision to compete at the next level? Please explain.
Yes, I have. I recently signed with Anderson University and I am excited to continue my running career as a Trojan.

How did you get involved with the sport and when?
I started training with my Dad for a 5K at Georgia Tech when I was 13. After that I basically trained by myself for about 2 years until I ran for Carolina Homeschool in the spring of my 9th grade year and Byrnes at the start of my 11th grade year. 

How have you seen the sport change in the state? Please explain.
It's definitely gotten faster over the past few years. I've also seen a lot of rising runners come from other sports and have a lot of success in running. 

What was your motivation for your final XC season?
I was definitely motivated by my family and my coaches. I feel like I definitely took a big step during track and I wanted to ride that momentum into cross country season. One of the biggest things that motivated me was Dorman. I know a lot of the runners there and I was definitely fueled by the desire to beat them, especially since I run against them almost every week. 

If there is one thing in the world you could do, what would it be and why?
I would definitely visit Israel. I'm a Christian and I think it would be awesome to explore the land where the events of the Bible took place. Just walking in the footsteps of Jesus and going to the places that he taught would amazing. Seeing the empty grave would be the best part!