Q: Tell me about the season. Did it live up to your expectations?
A: Yes it did. I started working out during football season. I used to play football [at wide receiver] but I gave that up this year. I wanted to start focusing on track. So during the offseason I started working because I had a goal, and that was to be the best. I put a lot of time and effort into it because last year, I didn’t place in the top 8 in states for the hurdles or the 300. But this year I got first in both, so the hard work paid off.
Q: The Class 4 state championships were big for you. Let’s start with the 300 dash. What was that like?
A: My goal for the year was to run 34-something. Our school record was a 35.25. Last year I ran a 35.84, so my goal was to break that record and run a 34-something. I came pretty close all season, and my last chance was at states. I had that mindset of ‘Nothing will be denied the one who won’t be denied.’ I just gave it everything I had, and I produced a 34.95 [a new state and school record].
Q: What’s your favorite event?
A: The 300 hurdles. I popped a big PR [in 55 hurdles] on that Friday. I came home and my legs felt like jelly so I took an ice bath. And the next day I PR’d again in the hurdles [55 finals], and that was my first-ever state individual title. I knew it would be a good day [300 dash followed], because usually if I PR in one race, I’m gonna PR in another race. So I was feeling good. … Later we ran the 4x4, and we won that.
Q: What makes that 4x4 relay special? There’s some speed on that team.
A: We all just wanna work hard. Me, Theo [Woods], Justin [Odedina] and Koulson [Paige], we work as a team. It goes outside of running track. We’re friends, and I think that helps us build a bond.
Q: A lot of seniors get senioritis, where they’ll do well during the regular season and then maybe not so well at states. That wasn’t the case with you. Have you hit a stride?
A: Yes, I don’t have senioritis. I don’t know who made that up, but it’s silly for me. I’m actually setting myself up for my future. Working hard now will help me in college. I can’t stop now just because I’m a senior.
Q: When did you start running competitively and why?
A: I used to live in Chesterfield, and I started in eighth grade. Ninth grade, I didn’t get the chance to run indoor because we moved to Lynchburg. … I started ninth grade outdoor at E.C. Glass. And I just fell in love with the sport. I love racing, and I’m a very competitive person. Always trying to be the best. And it gave me something to do.
Q: Where does your speed come from?
A: That all takes place at practice. My coach gives me some very challenging workouts. They’ll push you to your limits. And it’s all about what you put into it, also.
Q: Is anyone in your family a runner?
A: I’m actually the only one. I have a little brother, and he’s gonna play football for E.C. Glass. And I have another brother and he plays little league football. So I’m really the only runner.
Q: Finish this sentence. If I couldn’t run track, I would like to?
A: I’m gonna major in psychology, so counseling, that’s the backup.
Q: So what are you working on now for outdoor?
A: The 300 hurdles. I’m currently leading the state in the 300 hurdles [37.70]. I’m close to the school record. That’s a 37.64, set in ’92. … Hopefully by the end of the season I’ll be in the 37.60 range. That would put me Top 10 all-time in Virginia. I’m currently 13th in the nation in 300 hurdles.
Q: Were you doing triple jump last year?
A: Yeah, but I’m not really a triple jumper. It was just to help out the team because I’m a team person. I do anything I can to help out.
Q: Do you have a favorite teacher at Glass?
A: Paul Arslain. He’s a math teacher, not my teacher, but he’s also my hurdle coach.
Q: Who has had the biggest influence on your life?
A: My mom [Brenda] and dad [John]. All my talent and ability, everything that’s good has happened to me, I thank God for all that. And my coaches are very influential. They motivate me and push me to be better. And also my pastors.
Q: Is there anything you’d like to add?
A: One day I wanna go to the Olympics. That’s the goal. And I think one thing is I’m mentally strong. A lot of people told me they didn’t believe in me and they didn’t think I would win states or do a lot of the things I’ve done. But I have to be strong.
Q: Does that push you to work harder?
A: Yeah, it kind of makes me angry. So for all the doubters, I just work hard.
Ben Cates covers high school sports for The News & Advance. Reach him at (434) 385-5527.