Francisco Alonso
McAdory High School
What was your most memorable meet and why?
The 2022 Indoor State Meet as I ran my PR in the 800m of 2:03.27. Despite being disqualified it was a huge accomplishment for me as I ran a huge personal best despite not running in weeks, having gone through surgery that had me out for 10 days and being injured.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
The Husky Hilltop Classic at Helena HS. We ran the 4x800m relay at the end of the meet under the lights rather than running it at the start of the meet like usual. It was windy and cold but as I was running that first leg it felt exhilarating racing up at the front under the lights.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most and why?
Anchoring my team in the 4x800m relay at the State meet and setting a new JEFCOED record of 8:26.41 and placing 7th at state despite coming in as the slowest wildcard and it was our first ever 4x800m at the State Meet.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your running career in high school?
Taking it seriously from the start and actually running Outdoor Track my Freshman and Sophomore year.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome during your HS Track career?
My knee injury that affected 2/3 of my senior year. My fractured hip that affected my whole freshman year. And the most obvious obstacle are the mental struggles I had that COVID-19 caused due to the long quarantine we all had to go into from March 13th 2020 to September 2020.
What will you miss the most?
My team and being a role model to younger runners.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
To stay consistent and patient, even through the tough times like injury because your time will come.
What are your post-highschool or college plans?Who would you like to say thank you to?
I will be attending Jefferson State Community College and running unattached for the foreseeable future. I would like to thank Todd Wilkinson for introducing me to running and setting the idea that I could be great if I wanted to. I would also like to thank Terrell Mickens as he coached me to my best and has made me the person I am today.
