Athlete Name: Cele Moon
School: Wilson High School
What was your most memorable meet and why?
One of the most memorable meets was the 2014 State Track Meet. During that meet, my girls 4x800m team was expected to come in 2nd to 5 time Champions UMS-Wright. When it came to race time, we were nervous. We didn't know what to expect. We got behind a little in the start, but we caught up quick with the help of Phoebe and her crazy first one lap. We managed to get ahead, and pull off our first State win. It was such a great feeling that I will cherish for forever. Especially, now that we have pulled off two more wins & reset our previous state record! I'm going to miss my girls so much!
Where did you face your biggest competition?
I faced my biggest competition starting my 11th grade year in Cross Country. I had dominated my sophomore year. I had never really raced in any big races or had any extreme competition until 4A gained Amaris Tyynismaa. I had to do a lot of adjusting, but it really helped me develop my times. I have her and other elite runners to thank for all my PRs these last few years. Without the competition, I wouldn't be the runner I am today.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments which stands out the most and why?
I think that my biggest accomplishment is probably this year's 800m race at the State Track Meet. This was the best race of my entire high school experience, and I couldn't be happier with my results. I managed to get the biggest win of my track career, a new PR, a new state record for 4A, and a new state medal. I felt like I had worked so hard for that win. The best feeling was after I was finished with the race. I felt like I could run more; I felt like I had just conquered the world. When I got home, I replayed my dad's recording over and over again. It was probably one of the best feelings I've ever had.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I honestly don't think I'd change anything about my high school career. I enjoyed every bit of it including all of the bad races and the good times. I might add a few extra workouts that I never got to, but overall I'm happy with my achievements and can't wait to see what the future holds!
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
I've overcame many obstacles in my past, but this season was different. This year, I had to overcome myself. During Cross Country season, I wasn't doing as well as I had hoped, and it really bummed me out. I developed a "I can't" mentality, and I just didn't feel that spark of excitement I used to feel. I kept this same attitude until about half way through track, and then I felt a change. I felt the love of running come back, and I knew it was my time. It made me work really hard, and I managed to achieve PRs that I never thought I would.
What will you miss the most?
I think that I will probably miss my teammates, my sister(Phoebe Moon) and my coach(Robin Phillips) the most. I wouldn't be the athlete I am today without them. I'm going to miss everything. I will miss the long, loud bus rides, the jam sessions, the silly jokes, the crazy friends, the happy support of my wonderful team, the adventures into unknown races, the fresh smell of grass on the course, the loud cheering of the crowds, the amazing environment, and the taste of food right after a race. But, unlike my sister, I don't eat pretzels out of my hair after a race.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Hmm.. This is a tough one because there are so many things I could say. Since I don't want to say too much, I would probably say the best advice I have to give is, don't sell yourself short. I've experienced many downs this year, and I let negativity rule my mind and races. I basically gave up because I thought I wasn't good enough. Then, I finally realized that I shouldn't sell myself short. There is no reason to put yourself down for a few bad races; everyone has their good and bad days. No one can be perfect, everyone will lose eventually. Don't give up and strive to be your best because in the end the memories and efforts you put towards running are more important than the hardware you win.
What are your post-high school or college plans?
I plan to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the Fall to pursue a degree in Biomedical Engineering which will allow me a path into UAB's School of Medicine. I have signed and will be running for both their Track & Cross Country teams. I cannot wait to see what the future holds! Go Blazers!
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would like to say a big thanks to all my friends and family for always being there to support me, and keeping me positive through all my challenges. I'd like to thank my mom, dad, brother, sister, and my dog Seeker. I wouldn't be the successful person I am today without any of you; I love you all so much. Finally, I'd like to thank God for all my accomplishments and for being with me every step of the way. I am so thankful that he gave me the ability to run, without him I am nothing.
Cele Moon,
P.S. Thank you Almilesplit.com and Tim Loreman for helping runners keep up with all the action and stats. It is a great tool for recruitment.
