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This week's Milesplit Mississippi Senior Sendoff highlights the accomplishments of Rivers Godwin, a standout graduate from Madison Ridgeland Academy. Godwin will be taking his academic and athletic talents to Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi.
At Mississippi State, Godwin will be competing in the decathlon. For those unfamiliar with the decathlon, it is a combined event in track and field that consists of ten different disciplines, showcasing an athlete's versatility across a wide range of skills. These disciplines include the 100-meter dash, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400-meter dash, 110-meter hurdles, discus throw, pole vault, javelin throw, and finally, the 1500-meter run. The decathlon is often regarded as the ultimate test of an athlete's all-around abilities.
In addition to his athletic pursuits, Godwin will be majoring in Biological Science at Mississippi State University. Biological science is a field of study that explores the various aspects of living organisms, their structures, functions, and interactions within ecosystems. It encompasses the study of living organisms at the cellular, molecular, organismal, and ecological levels. This major provides a strong foundation for careers in fields such as research, healthcare, conservation, pharmaceuticals, and environmental science.
Godwin's versatility shines through his impressive track and field achievements. As a five-time MAIS Champion, he has proven his capabilities in a wide range of events, from the 100-meter dash to the 400-meter dash, including the hurdles. Holding the top spot in the MAIS in the 200m, 400m, and 300m hurdles, Godwin's prowess across these events will undoubtedly be a valuable asset to the Mississippi State Decathlon team.
RANKINGS: MAIS High School Boys Leaderboard
As Godwin transitions to the next chapter of his academic and athletic journey, his dedication, versatility, and passion for both the decathlon and biological science will undoubtedly propel him toward continued success at Mississippi State University. Congratulations to Rivers Godwin on his achievements, and best of luck as he represents the Bulldogs in the decathlon and pursues his studies in Biological Science.
**Interview below!**
Q: Explain your 'Track and Field 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?)
A: I got into running at a very young age and when I joined the track team I had great seniors and juniors that would push me and make me catch up to them. My senior year didn't go as planned with fighting injuries on and off during the season. But, my overall plan was to win another state championship and to set school and state records. After Senior year, I accomplished that with 4 state championships and 9 records.
Q: What is your most memorable meet/race and why?
A: Nike Outdoor Nationals, A group of 4 of us, 2 guys and 2 guys qualified to run the mix 4x400m relay in Oregon.
Q: Out of all your high school achievements, which one means the most to you and why?
A: Out of all my records, the one that meant the most to me was the race in Oregon. After winning the race and being number 1 in the country, we got news that we were disqualified because of a lane violation. Even with being disqualified, this achievement is still by far my most memorable.
Q: If you could go back and do it all over again, what would you change, if anything?
A: If I could go back and do it all over again, I would change the views I had on track as a freshman and sophomore. I was really only out running track to get faster and pursue my dream of playing college football.
Q: Who is somebody that you look up to/someone that helped you along your journey to get you where you are today?
A: Someone I looked up to the most was definitely my track coach, Trace Walters, with him being an Ole Miss Track Alum i wanted to also achieve that.
Q: What will you miss the most?
A: I will definitely miss my coaches the most.
Q: What piece of advice would you give to the younger athletes that are just getting started on their journey?
A: The advice I would give to younger athletes is to all go your hardest. Even if track is not your sport, speed and endurance is needed in every sport.
