Name: Noah Brown
School: Casey County
What was your most memorable meet and why?: My most memorable meet would have to be Fast Cats in Owensboro. I got to watch some of my old teammates compete in their very first 8K ever and I had the opportunity to cheer them on and support them before my team and I ran our race.
Where did you face your biggest competition?: Without a doubt I faced my biggest competition at Foot Locker South Regional. I was thinking it would be like my usual 5K race which was around 18:10 or 18:05, I underestimated that race and course completely. I was only a sophomore and was expecting to race with runners close to my time. I witnessed a sophomore (Danny Ferro) run a 15:59.00 5K. I was amazed and horrified at the same time. To think a sophomore could run that fast of a time. This made me realize that anything is possible in this sport if I train hard enough.
Out of all your accomplishments which one stands out? Throughout the 6 years of running in this sport, I have always wanted to do well at the state competition. I have been to state every year of my high school career. My junior year I was injured and could not perform as well as I wanted to. So this past season I pushed myself to finish with a better place and time. I was blessed with finishing 35th. It made me feel a sense of pride.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?: If I could do it all over again, It would be amazing. There are so many things that I would do differently. I would train harder and push myself more. When I first started running, I did it to be more social and make friends. Until one day, this new coach showed up and told me that I had a lot of natural talent and should try harder. My coach ,Jon Vaughn, has taught me so much and has taught me to be a team leader over the years. He has put me through some of the toughest workouts of my life, which led to progress. Take your hard days serious and your easy days easy. The work will show when it comes time to race, just be patient with your training, and trust your coach.
Most difficult obstacle?: My most difficult obstacle would have to be running and training without my old teammate, Chase Williams. We fed off each other and pushed each other to new limits. There were days where I would beat him and then he would beat me. When he went off to college, I did not realize how hard it would be to run and push myself without him. So I had to get it in my mindset that he wasn't there running with me. I had to become more like him and train with my other teammate, Fede Diaz. This made me realize that my teammates aren't always going to be there, so I have to dig deep and push myself beyond my breaking point.
What will you miss the most?: Without a doubt it would be the moments I spent with my team and coach. All the long run conversations, bus rides, the painful workouts, and team work did nothing but grow my band of runners into a band of brothers. The love I have for my teammates and coach is an unbreakable bond and I will always remember where I came from and the friends I made along the way.
Advice for younger athletes?: CHERISH THE MOMENTS! Have fun with your team and always take your training serious. Trust me when I say that you'll look back one day and realize that your greatest moments were on a long run with the guys. Another thing, I know a lot of times you won't see eye to eye with your coach, but he knows what is best for you. I honestly don't know where I'd be at without my coaches' advice.
What are your post-high school or college plans?: My plans are to continue my running and academic career at Lindsey Wilson College and major in Criminal Justice or Western Kentucky University and major in criminology.
Who would you like to thank?: I would especially like to thank God before anyone else. My ability to run and compete in this sport is all because of Him. I would like to thank my family. They have supported me throughout this entire journey by traveling to my races and cheering me on every time. I would like to thank my Coach, Jon Vaughn. Not only is he an amazing coach, he is an amazing role model as well. He has taught me over the years how to better myself in both running and my academics. Last but certainly not least, my team. My team is my everything. Sometimes, I refer to them as my family instead of my team. I love them all for always having my back and always looking up to me as a leader. I would like to give a special shout out to my teammate Fede Diaz (Junior), for always being there for me and sticking by my side as team co-captain this year.. I expect nothing but the best from you and expect you to keep the tradition going after I am gone.
