Athlete Name: Paul Richardson
School: Whitesburg Christian Academy
Where was your most memorable meet?
At the 2014 1A State Meet I woke up Saturday with a virus and threw up in the hotel and again as the girls ran the 3200m, minutes before my race. I ran the race on adrenaline and determination and through the support of my team and others, won the gold in the 3200m.
here did you face your biggest competition?
Typically my biggest competition was in the big meets in the Huntsville area racing against top distant runners like Eshan King, Anthony Parameswaran, and Kevin Ellison. For my first three years, on the 1A level, I let racing Will Faulk from St. Bernard, push me to be the best I could.
Out of all your high school accomplishments which stands out the most?
Breaking the previous best 1A 3200m time (9:51) set in 1985. We trained with that time in mind and successfully surpassed it at the Scottsboro Invitational in 2014.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your running career in high school?
I would train more specifically and goal-oriented earlier in high school. I would also train harder and more continuously during the summer and basketball season.
What will you miss most?
Definitely the family aspect of my team. Being a small team, we were able to really know each other. We would cheer every one on, whether a 7th grader or a senior state champion. The older runners would give advice and all the runners would run toward the team's overall success. That is what I'll truly miss most.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Run more than just track and/or cross country season and run on your own with your own motivation. Stick with it through the tough practices, bad races, or injuries. Success does indeed come to those who work hard.
What are your post high school or college plans?
Run next year for Samford University and get a degree in Sports Management--Sports and Recreation Ministry. I'd like to use my love of God and love of sports to make an impact on the world.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
First, Coach Dave McConnell. Thank you for investing your passion, giving up sleep, and constantly cheering, all to see my success.
Second, my parents. Thank you for chasing me around the state and being at every meet, cheering like maniacs. Thank you for new shoes, ample supply of Reduced Fat Cheez-Its, and all the money spent toward road races.