Justin Piggs is a graduating senior from Jim Hill High School. Justin is a sprints specialist, with PR's of 11.65 in the 100m and 23.99 in the 200m. Justin will be competing for Fisk University, a NAIA program based out of Nashville, TN, where he will continue to run his specialty events. Once at Fisk, Justin plans to major in computer science. In the year 2020, Fisk University was rated the #3 University in Tennessee for job placement, ahead of Vanderbilt University. Justin struggled slightly with injury his senior season, but still recovered enough to help his team out in the relays, which shows us that he has a lot of heart. Here is a little about Justin, and some insight on how he got to where he is today:
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Explain your 'running journey'... How did you get into running, how did your senior season go, and how did you get connected with the college that you are going to?
I started to want to run after seeing my brother compete in a track meet. I always wanted to get faster than him and be able to beat him. My senior season my hamstring was injured but I still managed to help my team in the 4x1 and it pushed me to want to do even better next year for college.
What is your most memorable meet/race and why?
My most memorable race was the first 4x1 I competed in. I was so nervous and I didn't expect to do as well as I did. I was so proud of myself after helping my teammates.
Out of all your high school achievements, which one means the most to you and why?
Getting into the top 10 at my school this year meant the most to me. My previous rank was number 16 and I was very happy that all of my hard work allowed me to get to the top 10.
If you could go back and do it all over again, what would you change, if anything?
If I could do it all over again I would make sure I ate, slept, and stretched better. I would do everything I could to prevent injury so I could help myself and my teammates.
Who is somebody that you look up to / someone that helped you along your journey to get you where you are today?
I look up to my parents for always reminding me that even though I may not feel like continuing to always stay committed and never give up.
What will you miss the most?
I will mostly miss my teammates and coaches. Having fun with my teammates and coaches was one of the best parts of my track experience.
What piece of advice would you give to the younger athletes that are just getting started on their journey?
I will tell them to keep up the hard work and to continue forward despite any discouraging moments.
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Are you a graduating senior who is competing in college, and you haven't filled out the survey yet? Well what are you waiting for?!? Fill it out for your chance to get your very own feature on Mississippi MileSplit, as well as letting other younger runners know how to get to where you are.
