- April 25, 2024
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What was it like to win your first race in your senior year?
For my first win, it was exhilarating. The competition was great. … I was very nervous, but part of me was excited, as well. Because of the encouragement from my coaches and friends, I plugged it into my head and stayed focus and gave it all I had.
The team won that event, also, so how are you feeling about the outlook for the team?
The team, this year, has never been stronger. We plan on trying to perform the same at regionals, and the goal is states this year. Hopefully, we can get there, and we plan on giving it the best that we’ve got.
As an individual, you’ve yet to advance out of the “Region of Death.”
Yeah, it’s the “Region of Death,” and I’ve felt cursed for a while. But this year, I’m planning on breaking that curse, and I’m super serious about cross-country.
What’s it been like getting used to the program’s new coaches: head coach Scott Dickover and assistant coach Stephanie Manny?
Our coaches are great. “Coach D” (Dickover), he gives us the best training known to mankind. I’ve been progressing very well, and I can prove that based off of the times I have been running.
How much have your times dropped this season?
Last year, my junior PR was 16:30. This year, in just my second race, I dropped to 16:01. I plan on trying to go for the school record (15:43).
Beside the regional meet, is there a meet in particular you are looking forward to?
We have a meet in North Carolina, and I plan on dropping my PR there. Hopefully, it all will go well.
As a senior on the team, how do you go about being a leader to the younger runners?
I consider myself as a leader, and as a leader, I try my best to motivate the team before they run. I give them a sense of confidence, so they can give it all they’ve got.
What’s your favorite thing about cross-country?
My favorite thing about running is PR-ing (setting a new personal record). It’s great to see the new improvements you have made based off the training and practicing.
What do you think about while you run?
As a technique for me, it’s all about breathing — it’s all about mechanics, and it’s all about form. The less stressed you are, the more confident you are.
What’s your favorite class?
My favorite class throughout the day, I would say, is Team Sports, because I get to apply my training from the track to basketball and football. It’s very exhilarating.
What’s the last good movie you saw?
The last movie I saw in theater that I could say was good was “Maze Runner: Scorch Trials” — I loved the action and how it related to the last movie.
Is there a runner — a teammate, coach, competitor or professional — you admire?
One of the people I look up to is (Timber Creek senior) Brandon Marquez. He has been dropping major-league times since middle school, and I have been trying my best to keep up with him. I respect his times, and I respect his effort; I respect his commitment to cross-country.
What are you looking forward to the most about your senior year?
I plan on trying to get a scholarship offers so I can try to benefit. I’ve gotten a couple offers (already).
What are you hoping to study in college?
I plan on studying sales for the first four years, and then after, I want to get my master’s degree and become a pilot.
What’s something about you people maybe don’t know about you?
In my free time, I like to help people and give them encouragement. I’m a leader at my church (First Baptist Church of Orlando), and I preach to students. I like to inspire people and give them motivation and a hope for themselves that they can use so they don’t give up.
