Fountain Inn's Derek Ashworth talks to MileSplit SC after his South Carolina no. 3 at the Yellow Jacket Invitational in Greer.
"Ever since Derek's class joined the team in seventh grade we've talked about our potential and how good they would be one day. Last spring the top boys and I sat down and had a meeting about what we need to do to fulfill that potential. The whole group bought in and we have really scaled up everything we do. I am lucky to have many great hard working athletes but a distinct change like that wouldn't be possible without an athlete like Derek. His drive and commitment have not only taken himself to new heights but has raised the level of our whole team. He has truly earned and grinded out every success he has had and will have in the future." Quinn Wilson, Fountain Inn cross country coach
Going from a 5K of 28:25 in 2022 to a 15:23 so far your junior season, how do you look at the journey to your success?
I just stayed consistent over the years. I stacked weeks on weeks, months on months and years on years. I would also say i'm blessed with a great team that keeps pushing me to be the best version of myself.
I just stayed consistent over the years. I stacked weeks on weeks, months on months and years on years. I would also say i'm blessed with a great team that keeps pushing me to be the best version of myself.
How and when did you get involved with running?
I got into running the summer before 7th grade. I got dragged out to a summer practice by my sister who formerly ran for Fountain Inn, and honestly I didn't enjoy it for the longest time. By the end of my 7th grade season I really found a love for the sport and I've kept going since.
Fountain Inn is a relatively new school in South Carolina, what does it mean to be part of history for the school with cross country and Greenville County?
It means the world to me to be able to build a culture among our team and build a strong relationship with some of the younger boys on our team.
What are some meets you are focusing on this season? Please explain.
I have three meets that I'm focusing on a little more than the rest. The first one would be region, I want help our team to win a championship race. The second would be state, I want to bring the first team state championship to Fountain Inn and I believe the group of boys we have right now makes that possible. Finally, I want to compete at a high level with some of the best runners among all classifications at Coaches Classic.
What is your motivation?
My motivation definitely comes from my teammates, and seeing how hard they work everyday and know we have team goals that we all have to work towards together.
It means the world to me to be able to build a culture among our team and build a strong relationship with some of the younger boys on our team.
What are some meets you are focusing on this season? Please explain.
I have three meets that I'm focusing on a little more than the rest. The first one would be region, I want help our team to win a championship race. The second would be state, I want to bring the first team state championship to Fountain Inn and I believe the group of boys we have right now makes that possible. Finally, I want to compete at a high level with some of the best runners among all classifications at Coaches Classic.
What is your motivation?
My motivation definitely comes from my teammates, and seeing how hard they work everyday and know we have team goals that we all have to work towards together.
How was summer training?
My summer training went great, I gradually raised my mileage over time, building a stronger base to hopefully help me later on in races. I also went to PR running camp at WCU which opened my eyes to how a lot of other people trained and how important all the little things are. I also cross trained with swimming 1-2 times per day, 5 days a week. I would say the biggest factor in my summer training was just staying consistent over time and trusting my coaches training plan.
Do you have a preferred race strategy?
My preferred racing strategy is just having an honest race, whether thats taking it from the gun or letting someone else lead the race at the beginning. I just always want to compete and see who has it in them that day.
If the race strategy changes, how do you adapt?
I mainly just listen to my coach when things don't go how we plan, but if i see someone making a move, I just try to go with them and cover their move.
What's been your biggest challenge in the sport?
My biggest challenge would be balancing running, swimming, and school all at the same time. I try to keep an equal balance, but always know that school is the most important.
MILESPLIT PREVIEW
Derek Ashworth
15:23.27
PERSONAL BEST
15:23.27
2026 BEST
Season Best by Year
Tap a season, or press Play.
2026
15:23.27
SEASON BEST · YELLOW JACKET CROSS COUNTRY INVITATIONAL (FULL), SEP 12
:arrow_backward: Prev
Play the seasons
Next :arrow_forward:
What do you hope to see with South Carolina cross country?
I want to see South Carolina be able to compete at higher level at regional meets, and grow deeper among the top boys in SC.
Do you see yourself coaching in the future? Please explain.
Coaching isn't my first choice for what I want to do later in life, but I could definitely see myself coaching after my running career is over. I would just want to make sure I don't jump into it too quickly with an athletes mentality and live vicariously through anyone.
How do younger teammates look to you for leadership and inspiration?
I've been in a leadership position on our team since I was a freshman, and i've been trying to build a culture that everyone wants to be a part of. I try to make sure that everyone is included and is willing to help everyone around them in running and outside of it.
Do you plan to run in college? Please explain.
I would love to run in college, it is definitely a dream of mine but I want to make sure that it doesn't get in the way of my schooling, and I would want to make sure the school and culture is a good fit for me.
How do younger teammates look to you for leadership and inspiration?
I've been in a leadership position on our team since I was a freshman, and i've been trying to build a culture that everyone wants to be a part of. I try to make sure that everyone is included and is willing to help everyone around them in running and outside of it.
Do you plan to run in college? Please explain.
I would love to run in college, it is definitely a dream of mine but I want to make sure that it doesn't get in the way of my schooling, and I would want to make sure the school and culture is a good fit for me.
What other hobbies do you have?
I am also on Fountain Inn's swim team which takes up most of my time outside of running. And I love to hang out with friends and play pickleball and etc.
I am also on Fountain Inn's swim team which takes up most of my time outside of running. And I love to hang out with friends and play pickleball and etc.
