Name: Anna Yang
Hobbies: Running (obviously), anything outdoors, shopping, hanging out with friends (going to eat, Target, etc.) watching movies
Academic interest: Sports medicine and nutrition, graphuc communications
Personal bests: 5K (XC): 18:45, 400 (Outdoor): 1:09.96. 800 (Outdoor): 2:34.10, 1600 (Outdoor): 5:28.11. 1 Mile (Outdoor): 5:44.08, 3200 (Outdoor): 11:46.71
What does it mean to be named to the Shrine Bowl Run team and helping the hospital?
It's an honor to have been chosen to be a part of the Shrine Bowl Run Team because it is a great cause. I've always wanted to do this since seeing teammates who have graduated participate.
What did you hear about the Shrine Bowl Run before this year?
I've seen teammates of mine participate since I was in middle school. It always seemed like an awesome event that I wanted to be a part of.
What do you hope to experience during The Run?
I hope to have a great time running with my teammate and runners from other schools. It's cool to have this opportunity to run together since we are usually competing against each other.
How are you preparing to run with a football?
I took some time off after the end of cross country season and in the past couple weeks I've been getting back into the swing of running regularly to get ready for track season. I've never really run very far with a football so hopefully it's not much harder than running without.
How would you rate your senior season?
My senior season was amazing. As far as running performances, I had some of my slowest times since 7th grade but also my fastest time since 9th grade so I was very grateful for that. One thing about this season that was very special to me was creating a tighter bond with my teammates, including new ones, and making memories together that I will always be thankful for.
What future goals do you have?
I want to go to Clemson University. I'm not entirely sure what I want to pursue as a major but I hope to learn more about what I'm good at and what I like to do.
Have you made the decision to compete at the next level? Please explain.
I have definitely considered running in college and I'm still somewhat on the fence about it but at the moment it seems I most likely won't commit to a college to run.
How did you get involved with the sport and when?
At the end of my 6th grade year I heard about a cross country interest meeting at the high school. I just remember going to that meeting and somehow here I am 6 years later. It really was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
How have you seen the sport change in the state? Please explain.
It's always interesting to see the dynamic change from season to season as certain runners come and go. Cross country as a whole has changed in the state with South Carolina being represented at National meets such as Foot Locker Nationals. Also, with the state course being moved this season there was some obvious tension, which naturally comes with change, but I think the future of cross country in South Carolina is promising.
What was your motivation for your final XC season?
I just kept telling myself that it was my last opportunity to do this sport that has come to mean so much to me. Also, coming in second at state last year was a big motivator for the team as a whole. Of course not every race went according to plan, but I feel as if I truly made the most of this season.
If there is one thing in the world you could do, what would it be and why?
I'm not sure if I can narrow this down to just one thing, but I'll try. I think if there was one thing I could do in this world it would be an Olympic runner. It would be so cool just to see how it feels to run that fast, as well as represent the United States. Also, just knowing you're competing with the best in the world has got to be pretty unbelievable.
