1.What was your most memorable race/moment?
Most memorable race was at my last home track meet. I was in third place on the final lap of the 1600 meter run and I sprinted out the last 200 meters of the race to win. It meant so much to me because I got to run it with my little brother in front of my family for the last time on The Reservation.
2. Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
My biggest and favorite competition was Jace Garrett of Nederland. The two of us ran against each other since 7th grade and it was always exciting to watch the last 400-800 meters of the race. It was really physical at times in a race between us, but hey it wouldn't be rivalry without those moments.
3. What was your greatest accomplishment?
The biggest accomplishment I made was when I brought the PNG Cross-Country team back to regionals for the first time in over 13 years when I was a freshman. It was just awesome to see the team get bigger and better over the last four years. Now I will hand the torch off to Collin Dietrich to maintain our honor, pride, and tradition at PNG.
4. If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your running career in high school?
Well, I'm the type of guy that believes everything happens for a reason. I'm just so blessed with what I already have now and I am also very pleased with what I have left here at Port Neches-Groves ISD. So I wouldn't change anything about my running career.
5. What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
No doubt the biggest obstacle I faced was the Region 3 course. I'm not the type of guy who makes excuses, but I believe that most seniors can agree with me on this one. I felt like I started off great until I lost my shoe to the mud monster. I was really hard on myself because that's not the way I wanted to go out as an Indian. I felt like I had a real shot at the big dance in Round Rock, but this failure of mine only made me better and that's what I took from that race. Now I know how to prepare myself for those kinds of races in the future!
6. What will you miss the most?
The thing I will miss the most is the distance team that I have built at Port Neches-Groves. I will cherish the memories I had with them for a lifetime and will never forget the sacrifices they made for the team. I will truly miss wearing the purple and white.
7. What advice would you give to younger athletes?
My advice to younger athletes is that if you believe your plan will work out, you'll see opportunities and results. If you believe it won't, you will see obstacles and regrets. Everyone must fall in order to rise and if people talk bad behind your back just ignore it because they are behind you for a reason.
8. What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
Coach Bryd and Coach Tanner are the example of success to me. They have taught me that I should be loose and have fun instead being uptight and hard on myself. These two great men are the reason why PNG cross-country and track are successful today. They've taken so much time away from their family just so we can be great at what we do. This includes starting practice at 5:30AM then going after school for more work till 5:00PM. Prior to my junior season, I had 4 coaches. I felt like I wasn't worth it for the coaches to stay with me all the way to my senior season. When these two men stepped into my life they changed it instantly. From barely running a sub 5-minute mile my sophomore season to almost making it my pace in the 3200 my senior season. Just extremely blessed to have these two in my life, but it also gives me the pain to say goodbye.
9. What are your college plans?
After my great running career at Port Neches I have been given many different options to run at the next level. I had a really tough decision to make. The top three were Adams State, Indiana Tech, and Southwestern Iowa. After countless meetings with my family, I will be attending Southwestern Iowa where I will be going for a degree in business!
10. Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?
First I would like to thank God for giving me the talent to do this amazing sport. Second is my parents. They taught me the good, bad, and greatness in life. Third is my coaches and teammates because they're one of the reason I'm at the next level
11. Is there anything else you would like to add?
My first ever goal was to beat my father's record in the mile. I even got personal trainers to do this from Parisi Speed School. I also would like to thank Scott Meyer and Caleb the great trainers of Southeast Texas! It was unfortunate I wasn't able to do it, but now its my brother's turn!
12. What was the funniest thing that happened during your track career?
Well the funniest thing that ever happened during my running career was actually almost everyday at practice with my brother. Coach Tanner and Coach Byrd roasted Collin constantly and I started to cry from how hard I was laughing! They like him I promise, they just didn't like his comments after our workouts.
Submit your salute to seniors information click here!
To see the full list of college-bound athletes click here!