Salute to seniors: Colby Coulter

What was your most memorable race/competition?
My most memorable race was at the Taco Bell Classic in the 4x800. I knew we were running to try and get to 7:50, but we were only mid-season and I thought our out-of-state competition was aiming much lower than that. As the race went on I realized that it would come down to my leg to finish the race up for us and whatever I ran wold determine our time and placement. I took a quick peak to my right and saw Jacob Burcham next to me and I knew I was gonna have to race smarter and faster than I ever had before. After a lap, Burcham and one other runner pulled ahead of me and I held on and was going to try and sling around in the last 100 and kick. With 100 to go Burcham had 15-meters on me and it was all out from there. I pulled even with him at 10-meters to go and leaned, nearly collapsing, after the finish. Tony and Langston ran and picked me up when after i hit the ground. It was the best race I can say I have ever been in and the race I have literally given everything I had in. 

Where did you face your biggest competition?
My biggest competition came recently at the Taco Bell Classic. It brought teams from around the south in and we were able to compete at a higher level with some of the best in the nation!

Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
I probably have the shortest yet most impressive resume in state running history. I ran XC for three years and track for four and totaled seven state championships composing of three  xc team championships, two 4x800, one 3200, one track and field championship. None of those moments were better than another. 

If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
I would have started my running career alot earlier! I played football in 7th-9th grade instead of running, even though I was told to switch by my current coach, Michael Wendt. I wish I would of known he knew what he was talking about throughout my younger years. 

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
I started out running late and didn't have as much experience as the better runners in the state, but I was able to come into the sport and excel quickly. I believe my most difficult obstacle was being injured coming into my junior year of track. I missed the first two to three weeks of practice and was pretty much in the pool from after xc season up until I began running later in the season. But my coaches and I refused to give up on my season. I was on and off the bike and running less than normal. But when state rolled around I was able to win the 4x800 with my team and make an upset in the 3200. It was my best season of track.

What will you miss the most?
My teammates and the thrill of walking into the field and everyone knowing who you are and how good you are. There is nothing like late nights and early mornings with the guys and talking about competition with them. Trips like Edisto, Citadel, and Disney are what I will really miss the most. You can't replace those memories.

Do you have any advice for younger athletes? 
Don't take the sport too seriously. Make sure your priorities stay in check. Put important things first. Running is a way of life if you wanna be good at it. Make time to have fun in between your seasons. Build life friendships, a brotherhood/sisterhood, with your teammates. You can really get far with running if you love it make the most of it. Lastly, don't say you can't, obstacles are there to test you. When you overcome then, it is the best feeling in the world.


How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?
I wouldn't be in the same sport, let alone in the same condition I am in if it wasn't for my coaches. Coach Harris and his family really got me into the sport. Drew talked me into transferring over to the sport, Coach Harris kept me working and gave me constant assistance in where to go to get better and helping me with getting back on my feet with injuries. They were both huge in my decision in making it to Winthrop. Both coach and Drew believed it was the right place for me and were willing to do alot of the conversations with me and even looking at other schools before I decided to attend Winthrop. There aren't enough words to describe what Coach Mike Wendt did and how he has risen our team to a whole new level. He brought us from a decent team to a top national team. He managed around each of our running styles and taught me alot of of life lessons along the way. He is also the most beastly 50-year-old I've ever met!

What are your college plans? 
I am currently enrolled at Winthrop and plan on staying therefor the next four to five years. I am planning on being a Sports Science/Physical Ed. major and minor in coaching, I would like to leave college and coach/teach at the high school level and hopefully make my way up to the collegiate level.

Shout-Outs?
First shout out goes straight to my family. Buying gear, driving to meets, making food, cheering, and lots of cash are just some of the things my family were  able to do for me. Next to my teammates. Tony, Erik, Langston, Blake, and Thomas are my brothers. We grew together and pushed each other to the brink of exhaustion every day at practice and at races. We stood together during injuries and made ourselves one the best teams in the nation. Each one of these guys are destined for greatness. To the rest of our team Conley, Woody, Jacob, Hunter, and the rest of the guys...You have the chance to build off of where we began and I'll be there with y'all along the way. Remember guys, I am only a call away! And of course, Miss Kristin Ryan! We have been together for over two years and in that time you have given me the determination and belief in myself that I could not of achieved without you in my darkest times. You are a blessing to me and I am glad we are going to Winthrop together. Couldn't do it without you baby! Also to the fans of both me and Lexington as a whole. We do it for YOU!