Salute to Seniors: Alison Jay, Clements HS

Alison Jay

 
What was your most memorable meet?
The Cold Springs Invitational Cross Country meet the year we ran in the pouring rain and everyone was falling down because of the mud! 
 
Where did you face your biggest competition?
I faced my biggest competition at every state meet I competed in and all of the Jesse Owens Classic Cross Country meets I ran in. There are so many great runners in Alabama so I am always challenged. 
 
Out of all of your high school accomplishments which stands out the most?
My tenth grade year when I ran a PR almost every race stands out to me the most. But my ten state medals and being a five time county cross country champ also stands out. 
 
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
If I could do it all over, I would have started training during the summer of my 7th, 8th, and 9th grade years. 
 
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The biggest obstacle I have overcome is bouncing back from having mono my junior year. I was sick my whole junior year in cross and track, then came seconds away from my PR just the next cross country season.  
 
What will you miss the most?
I will miss racing with some of my best friends the most. I have met some amazing people who I looked forward to seeing every season, every meet, and every race. They mean the world to me and made me love running more than I already did!  
 
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Younger athletes, HAVE FUN! Don’t stress about hitting a PR …just run! The times will come with the hard work you put in. Look around and enjoy the atmosphere while you can because the more you stress the worse you will do! My senior track season was a disaster because I could not stay healthy but I have realized it was a blessing in disguise. I got to enjoy the sport without worrying how I was going to do in my events.  
 
What are your post-highschool or college plans?
I am running Cross Country and Track for The University of Alabama in Huntsville. I plan to study Sports Medicine.
 
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I want to thank God for putting faith in me and giving me the ability to do what I love. I wouldn’t have gotten through any race without him pushing me further. Thanks to my Mom for coming to EVERY race I ever ran except one (I love you!) and to Dad for telling me I could be as fast as I put my mind to. Thanks to Jess for traveling all those hours to watch me “beast it up” and to Erin for calming me down. Thank you to Coach Pugh and his wife for supporting me even though I ran against their Elkmont team. Thanks to Coach Matthews from Rogers for yelling at me to “Stay Tough Jay”! To my cousins Mary and Matt for all the advice! To my awesome trainer Justin Pruitt.. thanks for putting up with me! And to everyone who ever yelled for me and supported me, Thank You!