Name: Jared Wright
School: Castle View High School
Q) What was your most memorable race/throw/jump/vault/moment?
My most memorable race throughout high school had to be the Footlocker Midwest Regional meet. I don't think it is even possible to describe the conditions. The reason it was my favorite is that everyone toed that start line with one goal. Survive.
I remember once we reached the first hill about 800m in, people were sliding down and mud was getting kicked up into my mouth. It was a true cross country course that was more about strategy and trying not to use all your energy too soon. It was also my last XC race with my teammates who have made me the runner that I am today.
Q) Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
My biggest competition is easily from my teammates. It seems very cliche to say, but they were the ones who pushed me out of my comfort zone. I could always rely on them to make sure I am feeling ok and that I run everyday. We always had a friendly rivalry and with that, we all got better in different ways each year.
Q) What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment would be toeing that State line in 2018 with my team. It took so much for Castle View to prove they were worthy of a top 10 team at state, considering we got 5th the year before at regionals.
I was so proud to see how each person was pushing each other to their limits. So toeing that state line was my greatest accomplishment because I knew that whatever happened that day I was able to prepare my teammates the whole season for this race. I was able to make them better people.
Q) If you could do it all over again what would you change about your career in high school?
I would only change my mindset. Being a student-athlete we don't get to see all the science and strategy that our coaches have. I wish that my first two years of high school I was able to trust the process and understand that success doesn't always come in one year, especially since we were a young team back in 2016.
Q) What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most difficult obstacle I had to overcome was my senior year of XC. Over the summer I was running in the mountains and twisted my ankle. I thought it was just a little sore and the next week I proceeded to do a 60mile week.
It turned out I sprained my ankle and all that running without me knowing caused me to get a stress fracture. I was very fortunate it wasn't worse. I was able to train all through winter on the bike and came ready to set PR's for track season.
Q) What will you miss the most?
I will miss the bonds I have created. I hear it all the time by parents and athletes and its that runners have a bond like no other. I think it is because we all get to experience that pain of running and we find joy in that. Plus anyone can be good at the sport depending on how much work and effort you are willing to put in.
Q) What advice would you give to younger athletes?
Anyone can be good at the sport. It doesn't matter where you come from, your genes, or if you had an injury. All it takes is time and willingness to push yourself past your limits.
I would suggest you always listen to your body if something is hurting too. Pain does not mean weakness. Finally, not every day is going to feel like a million bucks. Just keep your head high and keep striving.
Q) What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
My coaches Laura Cook and Brain Marshal have taught me what it takes to be a good runner. It takes a strong mindset. They can get me trained and well fit, but if I don't have a strong mindset than I will not perform to my max. They also taught me to not only be focused on the prize but to feel accomplished with the work it took to get in the running for the prize.
Q) What are your college plans?
I will be attending the Dominican University of California to major in Business and minor in Spanish. I am also going to be running for the D2 cross country team and track team.
Q) Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?
I would like to say thank you to my coaches, family, and friends. There were days that I was really disappointed in my performance and they were always there to make me hungry to improve. They always supported me and did everything they could to make me the runner I am today.
Q) Is there anything else you'd like to add?
The journey has been unbelievable. I will never forget the bonds I have made through running and all the amazing memories. I wouldn't change anything about the whole experience because every race, every practice, and every team dinner made me a better person on and off the track.
