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Manvel's Jaren Colbert was a key member to the Manvel relays success last year. This is Colbert's junior year and he is looking to make some noise in his individual events as well and help the Mavs repeat as the Texas 6A team champions. We caught up with up with Colbert during the winter break for a quick Q and A.
TX MileSplit: How did it feel having the team success you guys have had the last several years and then winning it all last year?
Jaren: It felt amazing to be with a group of guys who had a winning mindset. We set our goals way before the season even started saying, "we've been to state but this year we want to win it all."
TX MileSplit: As we know, your squad is loaded with tons of track talent as well as 5 and 4 star football players. What is the camaraderie like having all of that talent together?
Jaren: Manvel is loaded with talent, and that's what makes this group so special. We've built chemistry between all of us, especially those of us who have run with each other on the same AAU team. It's always nice to run with such a talented group of young men who all have the same goals as I do. Practices are always difficult, if they're not then you as an individual is not better.
TX MileSplit: On a team with so many talented runners, what was the road like for you leading to play your part last year?
Jaren: At the beginning of my sophomore year, I started on JV because of this loaded Manvel track team. On JV I would leave the runners in the dust. Then, is when I realized I needed to work for my varsity spot, so I worked at practice to get better. I finally got to run on varsity. I only ran the 100 on varsity and it wasn't until the regional meet that I got the shot for the 4x100 finals. My coach asked, "Can you run the finals on the 4x100 for me?" I said, "Of course coach." At regionals and we placed 3rd, but we got the wild card spot and got to go to State. The hype of going to state is great, but when you get on the track to run it is pretty scary, but I just sucked it up and did what my mom told me, "run your race."
TX MileSplit: What are your goals for this season?
Jaren: My goal for this season is not only to win state again, but to run a 10.4 and make it to state in my individual events.
TX MileSplit: What was the best Christmas gift of all-time that you've ever received?
Jaren: One Christmas, my family surprised my brother and Iby taking us on a cruise. Then, when we got back into Florida, they surprised us again by taking us to Disney World.
TX MileSplit: Who is the best super hero and why?
Jaren: I think the best super hero is Flash. Flash is fast and no other super hero is faster than him. Just to let you know...I'm really Flash.
