Jimmie Earl Lewis III - Strake Jesuit
What was your most memorable race/moment?
My most memorable moment was when my teammates and I won back to back District 19-6A 
titles over the past two years. This was exciting because of the numerous practices in hot, rainy, and freezing conditions allowed us to elevate at the right time, and be successful as one out of two private schools in UIL. Even though I did not compete at districts this year because of a hamstring injury, it was great to see all the athletes on the freshmen and junior varsity teams to experience our success that will be continued in the coming years by them. My most memorable race was sophomore year at TSU Relays. My coach put together a SMR team at that meet, and we were able to compete against top teams like Manvel and Desoto. Everyone on the relay team elevated, and we ended up getting second in the SMR out of all the teams at that big meet. We also put up a time that put us #4 in the nation two years ago, so I will never forget that race and being apart of a successful relay team.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
My biggest competition over my four years was myself, and I did everything possible to keep myself healthy to elevate. Practicing with athletes like Ilolo Izu (@swolelo), Brandon Walwyn (@bwal_), Andrew Price (@fullprice97), and Joel Trahan(@jtrahan_02) also built competition that allowed myself as an individual to get better.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
Helping my school win its back to back district titles, and creating a bond within the younger athletes that will allow them to win more titles in the coming years.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I would have stopped playing football during my first few years of high school, and started focusing on track at the beginning of freshmen year. I would also hit the weight room more, stretched more,and received more deep tissue massage to keep my body healthy. Yet, I am thankful for the experience and values that the Strake Jesuit track & field program provided.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Pulling my hamstring at the end of my junior year season and straining my hamstring during the beginning of my senior season were difficult obstacles that I had to overcome. I was able to come back from this injury right in time for districts last year, but I was not as successful from my injury this year. Hopefully, I stay healthy during my collegiate career. I also learned from these obstacles that failure is the key of success, each mistake teaches me something that allowed me to become a better athlete and individual.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss my senior classmates, and the rest of the team. My team over the past four year will never be forgotten in my heart, and sometimes I even want to cry because of all the great memories that we created.
Lowkey...I would die for every single person on this team. LOL
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
Motivation and hard work is the key in achieving your goals. Always aim high, and do everything possible to reach your goal. But when obstacles arise, you change your direction to reach your goal, do not change your decision to get there.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
My coaches had a great amount of influence on my performances and life goals. I appreciate my head coach, Chadwick Collier, for the weekly meetings about leadership abilities and life goals. This will definitely have an impact on my life in the future. I also appreciate my coach for holding me out a couple meets, so that I could get healthy from my injuries.
What are your college plans?
I will be attending Prairie View A&M on a full ride academic scholarship while running track & field. And I will be majoring in Biology/Pre-medicine.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would like to thank God because I wouldn't be able to achieve any of my goals without him. I would like to thank my parents, brothers, and coaches who stood by me all of these past four years. As well, I would like to thank my teammates and track friends around Texas who always push me to give my all on track. I would also like to thank all the collegiate coaches who were involved in my recruiting process.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I would like to thank Travis Miller and the rest of the Milesplit SQUAD for all the retweets and updates from every meet across Texas. I appreciated y'all so much!
What was the funniest thing that happened during your running career?
All the memories at the hotel at Texas Relays will never be forgotten. Staying up taking ice baths and playing NBA 2k all night was live. BTW: I beat everyone who played me, and just slide in my DMs on twitter if you want to catch a L. I also won't forget trying to talking to the BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL track females across Texas. Also, I will never forget the moment at the University of Houston indoor meet when we were first in the 4 by 2, but someone knocked the baton out my teammate's hand, which costed us a mile split interview:( Lastly, I am never forgetting junior year when my coach had a panic attack because he thought the hotel maids threw away the Texas Relays number..... LOL they were found under the bus.
Related Links:
- Want to be a part of the Salute To Seniors? Full info on how HERE
- Send in your answers and running memories to travis.miller@flosports.tv
- 2015 College Signings List
