To be part of this years Senior Send-Off just answer the questions above and email them to Jonathan Grooms at kytrackxc@gmail.com.
Justin Downs - Martha Layne Collins, Class of 2014. Shelbyville, KY
Personal Bests
- 1,600 Meter Run 4:49.00
- 400 Meter Dash 53.19
- 5,000 Meter Run 16:58.54
- 800 Meter Run 2:00.36
What was your most memorable meet or race?
Man, that’s a tough question…If I had to pick one race that stands out in my head it would have to be one from my sophomore year, I was at Oldham Counties Sundown Invitational the 800m race, it really stands out to me because this is the race I realized my potential as a runner. I remember coach Drawbaugh telling me to stick with Leonard Faul of South Oldham, I doubted myself but somehow I pulled it off and that is a moment I will never forget.
Out of all your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
The accomplishment that stands out the most throughout my high school career actually comes from middle school being recognized as a middle school all state runner after comng into the season believing I would only run JV.
If you could do it all over again, is there anything you would change?
I would’ve not let certain situations get to me and also I would’ve ran cross-country my senior season instead of playing soccer. Also, I would’ve taken care of my body more.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Injuries. Many, many injuries…At the start of my career I think a lot of it was mental but towards the end there was no doubt I was injured.
What will you miss the most?
Well I’ve already said goodbye to the teammates that I will always remember as they graduated before me but I will definitely miss my coaches. Man, Coach McDowell, If youre reading this , thank you so much for everything you have done for me. I mean you were there from day one, You have coached me since my first day in 6th grade and you have made a long lasting impression on my life, I also apologize for begging you to come back and coach each year and then end up not running my senior season, I will always regret that. As for Coach Drawbaugh, I’m sure you’re reading this but you weren’t just a coach you were like a brother to me, I mean you truly helped me out with everything from telling me I need to man up to letting me use your classroom to talk in and save my relationship, you were there for everything and it still hasn’t hit me that I will no longer be running for you, you taught me not to stress over things that aren’t in my control and I will spread that message as I know how much it helped me.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Have fun. But above all else TRUST IN YOUR TRAINING, never doubt yourself. You truly cn be as fast as you want as long as you trust your training and put all you have into the sport
What are your college/career plans?
I am fortunate enough to be running at Bellarmine University next year and I am still undecided on a major.
Who would you like to thank?
So many people but to wrap it up Ill just list them.
Coach Drawbaugh
Coach McDowell
Emily “Coach” Downs
Dvontre Coleman
Nolan Petty
Conner Cloyd
Cat Karas
Stacey Eden
My Parents
Coach Jim Vargo
And many others that I am forgetting.