What was your most memorable race/competition?
This is a tough question as I truly enjoyed every time that I earned a chance to compete. However, my most memorable race was one that I barely finished. It was the Conference 31 XC championships for this past season. I ran through the first two miles really well and then an asthma attack occurred. Forcing me to slow down and struggle through to the finish. I made sure that I finished though as it would be my last high school cross country race ever. Even though I did not accomplish what I originially wanted to, it did make me realize how much respect that I have for this sport and how much I enjoyed every single second of it.
Where did you face your biggest competition? or What was your favorite meet and why?
I faced my biggest competition at the Knights Track Classic, each year that we went. Many teams in the western part of Virginia attend this meet and there are always runners who have similar times that I could compete with. It was probably my favorite meet for my senior season as it was where I achieved my fastest 1600m time, 4:57.45.
If you could, what would you do differently with your high school running career?
Like many others, I would have taken it much more seriously as early as I could have. I didn't really show improvement until the end of my junior year. Also, I would have ran much harder and more often during the summer months as I believe that having a strong summer is the key to a strong cross country season.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
Running a mile under five minutes became a very important goal to me. I accomplished that and the end of my junior season and managed to sneak under five minutes again twice during my senior season.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Unfortunately, I was injured through the end of cross country season and for all of the indoor track season. I made the mistake of not listening to my body and taking time off, couple that and a mechanical issue with my running form and it led to an overuse injury that kept getting adjitated and took a couple of months to completely recover from. Training as hard as I could to come back and be strong during outdoor was very difficult to do, but it was worth it in the end.
What was your most difficult workout?
There is a hill on a trail that we run on that is about 300 meters long and climbs 125 feet. During my junior year indoor season, we had to go do repeats on that hill in temperatures that were bordering freezing. We would sprint up the hill and jog down, then start right back up the hill again. I can recall doing ten repeats in one session.
What will you miss the most?
The beginning of a cross country race. The massive amounts of people that are all starting at one time and all with one goal, to win.
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals?
Each of my coaches have had a great effect on me, but the one that sticks out is the one that helped to start it all. My cross country coach for my first three years of running, Howard Nicely, was my biggest inspiration for continuing to run and tough through it, even when I wasn't improving or doing well. He is a large reason why I became obsessed with the sport and wanted to do so well in it.
What are your plans for college?
I'm can proudly say that I will be attending my dream school, Virginia Tech, in the fall with a planned major in Meteorology! I do plan on continuing my running career while at Virginia Tech, but it will have to start on the club running team and I'll go from there. Go HOKIES!
What is your advice for an incoming freshman running/competing in the same events as you did?
SUMMER TRAINING is one of the most essential steps to having a strong cross country season, which can either motivate someone or prepare them for even stronger track seasons. Also, race smart! Use your coaches and make sure to speak with them and build a smart race strategy that works to your advantage.
Shout Outs?
My brother, Thomas "T.J." Wright, for helping push me even more during my senior year. Gaige Kern because I've heard that he's pretty good at running and has been a great friend and source of motivation for quite a few years. Coach Jeremy Bartley, Alleghany's current cross country coach, who does so much for the runners and team. Lastly, anyone else who I've had the honor to compete with in practice or at races.