Brandon Athey, Sprinter, Smithsburg High School
What was your most memorable race?
I've had several haha. The 4x200 from Indoor States 2012 when we broke our school record and won gold, the 4x200 from Outdoor States 2012 when we won gold, the 4x400 from Outdoor States 2012 when we broke our school record and won bronze, the 4x400 from the FSK Friday Night Lights Relays meet this year, the 200 from the Washington County Championship 2013 when I won, and the 200 from the 1A West Regional Championship 2013 when I won.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
My biggest competition over these last four years has been my best friend Zane Gardenhour. Without having a training partner like him I would have never been able to achieve all that I have.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
Winning two state gold medals in the 4x200 from Indoor 2011-2012 and Outdoor 2012. And making first team all-county in Outdoor 2013.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your running career in high school?
I'd probably change how my attitude towards track was my freshman and sophomore seasons. I was really focused on football at the time and didn't really care much for track. If I would have known what I would have achieved however, I would have cared a lot sooner than I did.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Coming into high school being looked at and told I wouldn't amount to anything in any sport, the passing of a good friend who was on the team, straining my hamstring pretty bad, and it may sound crazy but becoming a good leader was very difficult.
What will you miss the most?
There isn't one particular thing I will miss the most. I will miss everything about high school track. The coaches, teammates, competition, friends on other teams, being at a meet all day long, the amazing memories. I'm gonna miss everything about it.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
Dream big. If you want to be something in track, keep training hard because it will all pay off in the long-run. And don't take this sport, or any sport, for granted. It can be taken from you in an instant.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
To always give my all in whatever I do. My coaches have been very inspirational and supportive over the last four years and I couldn't thank them enough.
What are your college plans?
Go to Hagerstown Community College for two years and compete and transfer to a DII or DI afterwards. After that I want to come back to Smithsburg and coach track.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
The good Lord. He's blessed me with this amazing ability to compete in track. To my coaches, especially Coach Hood. Without his coaching I would have never become the athlete that I have become. And to my parents, teammates, and friends for being so supportive. You guys have helped me through thick and thin over these last four years and I couldn't thank you enough for it.
Is there anything else you like to add?
As the great football coach Vince Lombardi once said, "Winning means you're willing to go longer, work harder, and give more than anyone else."