Name: Remington Ross
School: Highland High School
Q) What was your most memorable race/throw/jump/vault/moment?
My most memorable moment would be winning long jump last year. Taeryn Trumper from Holyoke had been recording outstanding marks all season and she was first and I was second going into state.
At the state meet, going into finals I was in first, but we both knew it was going to be a battle from then on. I try not to pay attention to my competitors' marks or times and focus on my marks and my marks only. We bounced back in forth for first and I was last to jump.
Going into my last jump I had no clue that Trumper was in first and it would come down to this final jump. I took my last jump and as soon as I hit the pit the crowd went crazy.
I had bettered my previous PR by 4.5 inches. The energy in the air was ecstatic and I ran over to my coach with excitement. My dad embraced me with the biggest hug and a kiss on the forehead. This is a moment I will remember forever.
Q) Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
Taeryn Trumper from Holyoke, has always been my greatest competition and an amazing competitor that has pushed me in every single one of my events throughout my high school career. She is an amazing athlete and a great person and I respect her enormously.
Q) What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment was setting a new 2A 100m state record last year running an 11.84.
Q) If you could do it all over again what would you change about your career in high school?
It has been an amazing career and I am extremely blessed for all my accomplishments but if I could do it all over again I would give it my all every at bat, every race, every jump, and every game. When they are gone, they are gone and I can never get those moments back.
Q) What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most difficult obstacle I had to overcome was state track my freshman year. That year's state meet was moved to two days no prelims due to snow.
My first race, I fell a few feet from the finish line and from a 200m state title as a freshman. I ended up finishing 11th and had pulled ligaments in my thumb and seriously jammed my index and middle fingers. I had to finish the rest of my line up with my fingers wrapped not being able to use them. I overcame my obstacle and went on to win the 100m with a three point start.
Q) What will you miss the most?
I will miss running track and the opportunity to race. Choosing not to further my track career next year in college would have made this year that much more special.
Q) What advice would you give to younger athletes?
If I could give any advice to younger athletes I would tell them that no dream is too big and if you work hard for what you want in life, opportunities are endless.
Always, always be humble in everything you do. Your success makes the noise. As an athlete you can be known for your ability but it's more important to be remembered for your humbleness, heart, and love for what you do.
Q) What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
I wouldn't be the athlete I am today if it wasn't for all my coaches pushing me to be the best athlete and person I can be. They've always taught me to put my heart and soul into everything I do.
Q) What are your college plans?
Next year, I will be furthering my academic and softball career at California State University - Fullerton. I will be majoring in kinesiology and will pursue physical therapy or athletic training.
Q) Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?
I would like to say thank you to every coach, official, umpire, parent, and supporter that has impacted my life and has played a part in my success. I am extremely grateful for the support from my small community. I am blessed to have such supportive and gracious parents that have sacrificed so much for me to be able to succeed and follow my dreams. I'm thankful for my family members that cheered me on through rain, snow, and shine.
Q) Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I understand the precautions COVID19 has forced upon us and respect the decisions of CHSAA and the state in order to keep us safe but seniors including myself are devastated.
This could be the end.The end of a legacy, hard work, and successes.
We have worked extremely hard, put in countless hours, blood, sweat, and tears to make it to where we are today.
All I pray for and wish for, is to be able to finish my senior year and run one last race at Jeffco Stadium. I would be okay with no fans in the stadium and a shortened season, but I hope for that last opportunity to compete at my senior state track meet.
I have dreamed about a moment where I would stand on top of that podium one last time and be named a ten time state champion.
I have dreamed of the 100m and 200m state record. I have dreamed of a team state title three peat. I have dreamed about leaving a legacy that classifications don't determine the athletes we are, our perseverance, hard work, and love for competing rise us above.
We aren't just 2A or 1A or 3A athletes, we are successful athletes and humble individuals that work just as hard and shouldn't be ashamed of the size of our school or size of our town.
I hope to have that last chance to race my senior year. I pray CHSAA rewards me and senior athletes from all over one last time to do what we love and compete one last time. Bobby Reyes wrote an amazing article March 26th, and I hope to make those predictions come true!
