Photo Credit Craig Amoss
Name: Aiden Neal
School: Manchester Valley HS
What was your most memorable race/throw/jump/vault/moment? Why is that?
Definitely crossing the finish line after winning my first state championship as a junior in the 1600m. It really just showed that all the hard work had paid off. It was also an incredibly feeling looking back at my freshman self who used to look up in awe at those who were winning state championships, and now to see myself as one of those people was just awesome.
Was there a certain moment or breakthrough race/meet when you realized you would be able to compete at a high level?
Running 15:53 at the AAU Cross Country National Championships in December of my Junior Year. Looking back, it wasn't a crazy time, but it really solidified the significance of the jump I had made since sophomore year and showed I was capable of running with the best.
What are some bumps in the road that you've encountered when it comes to training for different events during the season?
Being able to acknowledge the fact that every workout is not going to go exactly how you want it to. That being said, always try to crush your workouts, but not having a workout go your way definitely can take a mental toll on confidence. That's why you need to trust your training as a whole and not just base anything off one workout.
If you are writing a letter to your younger freshman self, what advice might you give them?
Don't be afraid to stand out and put in the work, even if nobody else is willing to do the same.
If you had to pick: Track and Field or Cross Country, and why?
Whichever one is in season.
What are your post-high school or college plans? If Running in college, explain why you picked that school.
I will be continuing cross country and track and field at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. They're a great program on a huge rise right now and every single guy on the roster wants to make it to the top. Surrounding myself with this type of energy will push me both as an individual and the team as a whole, and there is no doubt in my mind we will make it to the top.
What is your favorite pre-race snack, tradition, etc.?
Can't go wrong with Gatorade Protein Bars but I usually like to get some Chocolate Moose Tracks ice cream after my races.
Name the top Maryland Cross Country or Track moment(s) you have witnessed. Can be by level of greatness or just something that really stood out to you.
I don't know if this counts as witnessing but standing at the finish line with my Bullseye teammates after AAU Nationals. I didn't know these guys well before this point, but we all gave it our all out on that course in Tallahassee and for that reason we have a bond that can never be broken. We weren't just running for ourselves, but every guy on that team. I'm happy to call all those guys my friends today.
Who would you like to say "thank you" to?
I would like to thank my mom and dad for constantly supporting me and helping me through my highest highs and lowest lows. Without them I would not be the athlete or person I am today, and for that reason I am forever grateful.
Is there anything else you would like to mention that stands out to you over the past 4 years?
Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout my high school career. If I inspired a single person through my training and racing, that makes all 4 years more than worth it.
