Name: Collin Dietrich
School: Port Neches Groves High School
Events: 1600/3200,/XC
What was your most memorable race/moment"
I would have to say my first ever 5K. I feel as though it was my most memorable race. I might not of done as well as I wanted, but it was my first step to where I am now. It somewhat set the tone for my running career & definitely gave me the hunger to start pushing myself harder & harder.
"What would you consider your biggest competition over your four years"
My biggest competition actually travels back with me in my 7th grade year. Going to Port Neches Groves we always had a rivalry with Nederland, & the biggest rivalry in the state of Texas. My rival was Carlos Rodriguez we never had any hate for each other but we always were on each others backs in almost every event we both competed in from my middle school all the way to my senior year in high school.
"What was your greatest accomplishment"
I have had several strong accomplishments alone this year alone already. This year I won the Beaumont Texas Gusher 5k. I have set two new PR's in the 1600 meter run and 3200 as well. I set a new PR in Cross Country but my biggest accomplishment was proving everyone that has ever doubted me wrong.
"If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school"
I feel as if there's really nothing I would change. I've achieved every personal goal that I've set myself thus far and there's honestly nothing I would want to do to change that.
"What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome"
Back in September of 2017 we had Harvey that hit so it impacted my team and I in alot of ways. I missed out on my first four cross country meets. So when the beginning of our season started in Dayton. The day before our coach had told us "Its going to be rough and we haven't competed or practiced for weeks and these guys out there have. I'm not expecting a top ten finish, but instead for yalls 100% best effort." I used what my coach told us as motivation, and I placed second that meet. Then by using that same best effort, I was fortunate enough to medal at all of the following meets.
"What will you miss the most"
There's lots of things i'm going to miss like representing my school at meets. I will certainly miss all my coaches that have put in there time and effort just to help better myself. Most all i'm going to miss my teammates. They are one of the many that have motivated me to run and we have so many awesome memories together.
"What advice would you give to younger athletes"?
Over my time of running i have realized with a good mind set, a goal, and hard work you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
Coach Byrd and Coach Tanner have given me countless times of motivation. They have taken so much of their time making me into a better athlete. My success would have never been possible without them. You're both great guys with selfless intentions. I could never thank you enough.
What are your college plans?
I plan to continue out my running at Jacksonville Junior College where I'll run for two years and then continue my running career wherever I see as a best fit for my future.
Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?
First off I want to thank my parents and all of my family for all that they have done for me. Them being there at almost every meet to support and motivate me to always push myself and bring my very best with every step. Even at home they are my true motivation. My Coaches have brought me a lot of success through the past four years so I certainly want to thank them. I also owe a big thanks to my teammates friends and anyone else that has stood by my side through this amazing ride.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I love to run and I consider it a genuine gift from God. I'll continue to do so for as long as I can. One day I hope to achieve my greatest goal of climbing Mount Everest. Besides that I aim to run & compete in the Blackwater Marathon which is a two hundred mile-marathon.
What was the funniest thing that happened during your running career?
I think the funnest thing i have witnessed during my running career goes back to a year ago when i was running the 1600 hundred and saw one my teammates hurdle someone in the beginning of the race. No gun was ever shot to come back and it was a really funny moment for me.