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Name: Coulter Clement
School: Water Valley High School
Q: What does your training look like right now given the current situation?
A: Due to COVID-19, my training has changed. I normally run at our local park that has a track around it, but all of the parks in our town have closed. Now, I have been running on the sidewalks all through town! It has made it hard to do any speed work, so I have just been trying to log some miles!
Q: What are you doing to stay busy other than run right now?
A: I am spending time with my family, playing guitar and music, reading, and schoolwork.
Q: What was your most memorable race/moment?
A: My most memorable race was the 2019 Cross Country State Championship. It was my last XC race in high school, and it was a day I will never forget.
Q: What was the funniest thing that happened during your running career?
A: There have been plenty of funny moments, but one of my very favorites was the South Pontotoc Cross Country race in 2018. It was the muddiest I have ever seen a course in my entire life! People were constantly slipping and falling, some dove through the gigantic puddles, and we all ended up covered in mud at the finish line. Just thinking about that race makes me laugh!
Q: Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
A: I would say my biggest competition has been Tanner Childs. Tanner graduated last year, but he has pushed me to become a better runner in all aspects. I am thankful for his friendship and for him making me work hard in order to try to catch him. (emphasis on try, haha)
Q: What was your greatest accomplishment?
A: I would say my greatest accomplishment was winning the Cross Country State Championship last year. It truly was a day that I cannot explain. I am so grateful for that experience, and I will never forget it. It still doesn't seem real.
Q: If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
A:I would run more hills. I believe running hills has made me a lot faster and a better athlete. I wish I would have realized that sooner.
Q: What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
A: The most difficult obstacles I had to overcome were injuries. My entire sophomore year of track left me beaten, tired, and hurt. It was a season of being "still" and waiting on the Lord. I personally grew a lot during that time of life. It gave me a fresh outlook on what my goals were for the future, and it encouraged me to work harder to achieve my dreams.
Q: What will you miss the most?
A: I will miss so much about track and cross country, but I will definitely miss race days the most. Everything from seeing your friends from other teams to the feeling of accomplishment you receive from crossing the finish line; I will miss it all.
Q: What advice would you give to younger athletes?
A: I would say to younger athletes, that your hard work will pay off. Rather it be physically or mentally, you will grow due to your effort. It may be hard, but it is so worth it!
Q: What kind of an impact has your coach had on you and your team?
A: Coach Lindsey has inspired me to work hard at a sport I love. She has helped push me to break PRs and shave off seconds from my times. I am so thankful for her taking on this responsibility of adding a new sport (XC) to our school.
Q: What are your college plans?
A: I will attend Mississippi College in Clinton, MS and major in Music.
Q: Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?
A: I have so many people I should thank, but my family have
ultimately been my biggest supporters. They have given so much money, time, and
effort in order to always be there to cheer me on. I am so thankful for them.
Also, I can never express my thankfulness to my Savior, Jesus Christ. I am
beyond blessed that He has given me the ability to run and the memories I have
made because of it.
Q: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
A: I would like to encourage any one of any age to at least give running a try! You may end up hating it but give it a shot. It has completely changed my life for the better! I could go on and on about what running has done in my life.
Q: Favorite Meal?
A: Any meal that involves waffles tops the list!
Q: If you could be any animal what would you choose? and why?
A: I have always thought it would be neat to be a duck. There is really no reasoning behind it, haha!
Q: Your favorite superhero?
A: Thor
