What was your most memorable race/competition?
My most memorable race would have to be state of junior year. I wasn’t expecting to place anywhere near the top 20 runners. Getting pulled along with the front pack pulled me forward to a 16:26 and an eighth place finish.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
My biggest competition I would say was in freshmen year of high school. I started running to stay in shape for soccer. Running track I was facing other freshmen who were all running under 4:40 in the 1600.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
The biggest accomplishment for me is being named to the All-State team my junior year of high school.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
I would change the fact that it took me until junior year to give up playing soccer and to run. I would have started at the beginning of my freshmen year. I was to attached to soccer to let it go.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most difficult obstacle I had to overcome was a partially torn ACL in the spring of my Junior year. I rehabbed it, went to physical therapy, nothing seemed to help. I sat out a majority of my Junior track season hoping that it would just get better if it was rested.
What will you miss the most?
My teammates. Andrew Tyler, Michael Reamer, Aj, Miles Clarke, Jacob Spencer, and Coach Banker. I will miss traveling to meets with them and joking around.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
What you do in June through August is what determines how you’re going to do in November. Also, that talent only takes you so far.
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?
Coach Banker: He always knew how to keep the practices fun, I could always go to him to talk to him about different things like for advice on training. He was always there for me and he trusted that the decisions I was making for the team were the right ones. He always listened to me and took what I had into consideration.
Coach Poston: I have had over seven coaches through soccer and running. Having my soccer coach being named the National coach of the year, I could honestly say that Coach Poston is the best coach all around that I have ever had. He made running for me more than just a sport. He made it something to look forward to because he showed me how successful I could be. He helped me reach the possibilities of running at the collegiate levels.
What are your college plans?
I am currently enrolled at The Citadel. I am going to run there. I am going to be majoring in Health and Exercise Science.
Shout-Outs?
My first shout out is to my parents. Driving to my meets buying my gear, and putting up with all the pre race food requests. The next shout out goes to the only other senior on my team Michael Reamer. Good luck at Wofford and I’ll be seeing you in some races. Next to Andrew, Reamer, AJ, Miles its been fun the late night runs, long bus rides to meets there has been a bunch of good times and great memories. To Andrew Tyler, have fun while your running with WANDO across your chest. Make the most of it. I'll miss you man. To all the kids I have met from other teams and keep in contact with, Guy McCarter, Sango Asante, Heath Lorick, Evan Abdullah, it was fun hanging out with y’all at the Shrine bowl and I wish y'all the best of luck in college.