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It was a great 2012-2013 in both cross country and track across the Bayou State. Many of our seniors will soon be on their way to start their college careers both athletically and academically so we wanted to salute them one more time in this special feature.</p>
What was your most memorable race?
My Most memorable race would have to be the Walker Shootout my junior year. The lead group was led off course so we all ran an extra 300-400yrds in the wrong direction in the race. We had a lot of catching up to do. It was very tough but in the end we all laughed about it.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
I moved here during my freshman year so I did not get to compete for cross country nor indoor track here in Louisiana. Over the past three years my biggest competitors in my class have been Carley Boyce, Angelica Dixon, Mia Meydrich, Allison Ringle, Andi Aguliar, and Ellen Barkermeyer. Each week, any given race, could have been won by any one of us. These girls are fierce competitors and I am thankful to have been given the opportunity to compete with them.
What was your greatest accomplishment? If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
My greatest accomplishment would be helping my team finish second in the 5A Cross Country State Championships my junior and senior years. Being the individual 5A State Champion the past three years means so much to me but nothing compares to standing on the podium with my girls team the past two years receiving the Runners Up trophy.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
I was never able to win a State Championship for track, so if I were to do it all over again I would have trained a little bit harder during track season to be able to reach this goal.
What will you miss the most?
I will definitely miss my teammates the most. They have been my family over the past four years. When I first moved here I did not know a single person. The runners immediately took me under their wings and we have been inseparable ever since then. It will be very strange not spending every single day with these people and I will miss them greatly.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
My advice for younger athletes is put in the miles over the summer. A wise man gave me the greatest advice, “if you put in the miles, you know what you can do.” This advice changed my training. The summer before my senior year I decided to keep track of my weekly mileage and maintain. Previous years I never really paid attention to it at all. I noticed a dramatic change in the way I felt running by the time school started. I felt stronger and my times dropped as a result. Mileage definitely is a huge confidence booster and makes you feel mentally and physically ready for the season.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
My coaches over the past four years, Coach Schuster (Osbourn Park High, Virginia), Coach Tridico, and Coach Thiel (both of Fontainebleau High, Louisiana), have had a tremendous impact on my life. They all are very dedicated to the sport of running and have put in many hours towards my training. Without them, I would not have achieved such great things. They have been with me every step of the way; encouraging me and pushing me to achieve my best.
What are your college plans?
I will be attending the University of South Alabama in the fall. Although my major is undecided at this point, I am very excited about USA’s Sea Lab on Dauphin Island, which will aid with my marine biology interest. I am also looking forward to running at a college level with my new coaches and teammates. I am super excited about this opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful team. I feel extremely blessed.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would like to thank God first of all, for the gift of running that he blessed me with. I would also like to thanks my family for supporting me through every running experience I have had. I would like to thank my Coaches and Teammates for pushing me to be the best runner I can be and supporting me throughout everything. And a huge thank you to Pat Gavin for supporting and promoting the wonderful sport of running.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Anyone who is considering joining or running for a high school team, I would highly encourage you to do so. The work is tough, but the reward is unbelievably great. You gain confidence, courage, self-discipline, and a healthy lifestyle that you can be proud of. Also, I do not think any other sport brings people together like running does. Running is something you can continue throughout your life. You never have to give it up.
More Coverage
Want to be featured in our Salute To Seniors series? Drop me a line: pat@louisianarunning.com and answer the questions above! Congratulations to the class of 2013 on all their hard work and success.
