Running cross-country, as a junior in high school is different from running it in middle school. I was one of the best runners while I was in seventh and eight grade. This changed at my first practice with the high school team. Coach Sorrells talked about the course since the first practice in may, this is the state-meet course, and that it is important to do well. Everyone was concentrating on Carrolton.
But also my talent would enable me to be good at more than one event in track. At the end of my sophomore year, I took the decision to enter a new season with the determination to quit playing basketball and to be the best I could be on the track, so that I could get a scholarship for college. As one of the best coaches, in my eyes, Mr. Washington helped me become one of the fastest 100m through 400m runners in the state of California, by the end of my junior year in high school. I received a scholarship that would pay for all of my tuition and monthly bills while getting a college education. This is something that I wanted to happen in the sport of basketball, but Mr. Washington helped me see otherwise that my talent was meant for
Shawn Thomas was born on January 14, 1971. He lived in Walla Walla, Washington until the age of six, then migrated to Kansas. Thomas attended high school at Jayhawk-Linn. A friend got him hooked on running his senior year. They did workouts together, he said, “I thought I would be pretty good at it, so I gave it a shot.” After senior year he attended college at Emporia State University.
Cross Country Not many people know what a 5k or cross country is. To sum it up it’s a 3.2 mile run threw just about every terrain imaginable. It’s a race of endurance and mental strength, and anyone who is competitive would love cross country just as much as I do. I started cross country in the 7th grade and placed in varsity all the way threw 12th grade and it wasn’t a easy ride, I couldn’t even count how many 5k’s I ran but my very first 5k will always be in my mind till the day I die. As a middle school runner I mainly ran 3ks which was ran on the same course as high school but was only 1.8 miles.
soon intervened by making Michael practice and exercise everyday. He had his first game days later in which he tackled so well one of the opposite’s team member that everyone was shocked. S.J. sent days later the video of Michael tackling the other member to several universities and suddenly everyone was interested in him. But to win a scholarship he needed to have a better GPA, so they hired a tutor for him.
I knew Jack was a man of good character soon after my first interactions with him. My first experiences with Jack were two years ago at soccer open fields and tryouts at Notre Dame. As I was entering my senior season with the team, Jack was starting his freshman year. He impressed me in his first couple weeks with the team and distinguished himself from the rest of the underclassmen as a hard worker. This first became apparent to me when, after practice, while the rest of the freshman were in a hurry to kick off their cleats and head home, Jack stayed to help with putting away water jugs and jerseys and asking what other things he could do to help.
They all promised to vote for me and pass the word along. After discussing my campaign strategies I realized I wasn’t alone. Many wanted the ultimate multi-tasking student out of office. Soon enough I had acquired the inspiration I needed. Then I ran into my biggest problem of all, how to reach my
In cross country this year, I experienced a feeling that I never thought that I could possibly feel. I felt part of a team. Not just any team though, a team that has strong connections on and off of the race course. This huge family is always seen together sharing many memories and many well deserved laughs off of the course. As soon as those racing shoes come on, they are in their own game of dedication and heart to get them what they want.
My confidence was at an all time high! My father thought I needed a challenge, so he convinced me to try out for the High School Varsity team. Obviously, I was certain I would dominate. I had never been unsure about my ability. Tryouts began after school on a beautiful Monday afternoon.
When I arrived at the tryouts, I met the coach and he put me on a team to scrimmage. I was raring to go and prove to the coach, the world, and myself that I was worthy to participate on this soccer team. Three weeks later I raced to the athletics board to see if I had made the team. The excitement and suspense inside of me suddenly dropped. I had not made it.