Josiah Davis ran to 5th place at last fall's state cross country meet. Photo by Jeff McCoy.
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Josiah Davis's Best Marks:
1600 Meters - 4:29.14 (at altitude)
3200 Meters - 9:40.89 (at altitude)
5K Cross Country - 16:20.0
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Tell us about the decision to attend UW-Parkside.
My decision to attend UW Parkside definitely revolves around the team. I got to know the guys when I went out there in January; I clicked with the team and the location.
What do you plan to studay at UW-Parkside?
Undecided.
You probably already know that UW-Parkside has one of the most storied cross country courses in the nation. Not as many Colorado kids have raced there since NXR-SW exploded in popularity, but do you have any particular established feelings about the course?
I got to jog the course this winter with a guy on the team, and I loved it. I am definitely looking forward to racing and running workouts there.
You made an enormous breakthrough this year with the 1600. Tell us a little about how that came about. Were you surprised at all by the large drop in time from last year to this?
Last track season was very rough. I was on crutches for a few weeks and in the pool for about a month, then when I got healthy in time for state, I choked big time. So going into this year I just wanted to run well in all of my events. [Coach] Shanklin added some new elements to our training that definitely contributed to the drop, but I think the turning point was my first 1600 of the season. I just didn't give my best, and I decided after that race I was done racing with a mediocre effort, even if that meant going out hard and blowing up a few times. Lucky Charms breakfast cereal also played a huge part, fueling me to success.
Of all your teammates at Frontier Academy, which one had the most influence on you as a distance runner?
That is impossible to answer. All my boys have been there for me since day one, they inspire me so much.
6.
Pick out a favorite highlight moment for us from your high school career.
My favorite highlight from my high school career happened at XC state this year. I have had so many amazing memories throughout my career but this one was particularly special. We knew going into state that it was going to be a battle. We knew every position mattered. I ran across the line in 5th, and was very happy to see my teammate Cody Jones in 8th. Our next two runners punched in, both having solid races, but it takes five to score. A little time passed and I started to worry, I really wanted to take home a team trophy. Then out of nowhere, Levi Chambers, being the slippery boy he is, ran into the stadium. It was a total Danny Diez moment. He started off the season not even in our top ten. He didn't even run his freshman year. It was particularly special because I have been friends with him my whole life; we grew up together in Florida. I hope he completely dedicates himself to the sport. That moment sums up what these past four years have been about for me. Levi showed up because he knew his team was counting on him. I am sure I will look back on FAXC as some of the greatest moments of my life.