Senior Heroes Emmaline Wolfe, Brookhaven

Name: Emmaline Wolfe

School: Brookhaven High School

Q: What does your training look like right now given the current situation?

A: Slow! I've taken a little bit of time to recover from a slight nagging injury but have been staying active by spending some time outside.

Q: What are you doing to stay busy other than run right now?

A: Anything I can get my hands on! I've painted some furniture (and my entire front porch), baked a lot of cookies, and cleaned places in my house I didn't even know existed.

Q: What was your most memorable race/moment?

A: I have a lot of memories at the finish line. My two best friends and I usually finish within a minute of each other, and we always manage to crawl to each other after we cross the line. We've cried a lot of times after a bad race, and had several sweaty bear hugs when we do well. I can remember those teary post race conversations almost perfectly.

Q: What was the funniest thing that happened during your running career?

A: During one of my first races at Choctaw Trails, I was on the last mile going down the gravel hill. About 10 feet in front of me, a deer sprinted across the trail and hit the fence. My only reaction was to scream because I thought he died. I cried the whole way to the finish line.

Q: Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?

A: My own brain. As much as I've fought along side girls from other schools, I've fought my own mind even harder. I still struggle with overcoming my own thoughts while I run, whether it's sprinting the final stretch or even deciding to get up and jog a little in the morning.

Q: What was your greatest accomplishment?

A: I placed in the top 15 during State my senior year. I started out senior year as 165th in the State for high school girls. It took months to move up, but I made it.

Q: If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?

A: DOING LONG RUNS. I avoided them for years and they turned out to be so beneficial and actually kind of fun!

Q: What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?

A: Accepting that I had to work for what I wanted. I really thought that one day I would wake up with the ability to run exceptionally well, but it never happened. I had to put in a lot of time, sweat and a lot of tears to get where I wanted.

Q: What will you miss the most?

A: The family unit that was my team. It might sound cliche, but when you're around the same people for such a long time you get tight. They've seen me at some low points, in my life and in my running. Their encouragement and love has made such an impact on me.

Q: What advice would you give to younger athletes?

A: HYDRATE! And do what Coach says, even if it sounds dumb. He knows what he's doing! It will benefit you and your team.

Q: What kind of an impact has your coach had on you and your team?

A: More than we know, probably! I've caught myself quoting him, texting him for advice and wondering what he would do in certain situations. He has invested in us for years, checking in on our regular lives as well as when we run for him. My team and I are so grateful for him!

Q: What are your college plans?

A: Nothing 100% definite yet (it's kind of a secret!), but nothing running related. All I know right now is that I want to major in Integrated Marketing Communications!

Q: Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?

A: First of all, my family, for not letting me do anything alone. They've traveled alot of miles and to come watch me run for about 20 minutes. There's so many others I'd like to thank. Quinn and Grayson for letting me use their Biofreeze. The poor guys at the finish line who had to quickly cut my shoe tag off before I passed out. The moms who kept the tents stacked with waters and snacks for us so we never had to worry about that. My mom, who brought me all the clothes I forgot at practice (sorry I made you drive 30 minutes to bring me socks). These little actions meant to so much to me!

Q: Is there anything else you'd like to add?

A: I'm so proud of everyone coming together in this time. We're going to come out of this being stronger people for sure. Also, it's a perfect time to start running if you've always wanted to!

Q: Favorite Meal?

A: Grilled Chicken and Mango on a croissant. Don't knock it 'til you try it, it's incredible.

Q: If you could be any animal what would you choose, and why?

A: Probably a cat. I have a cat and she is the coolest thing ever. She actually impresses me sometimes. Like, how did she get on top of the garage door? Why can't I do that so easily?

Q: Your favorite superhero?

A: I could be cheesy here and say someone in real life, but I'd be lying because it's definitely Wordgirl. Seriously though, she was legit.

High School