Senior Sendoff: John Kelly - Lincoln High School


What was your most memorable meet and why?
For XC, it was the 2021 Jesse Owens Classic. I reached my XC Career PR at that meet. For Track it was the Lincoln Track Meet on 4/15/22 when I reached my 3200 Career PR.

Where did you face your biggest competition?
Jesse Owen Classic, we ran against schools from Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Kentucky.

Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most and why?
The 2018 4A Section 3 Meet and the 2018 AHSAA State XC Championships. This was the first Lincoln XC Team to qualify for the AHSAA State XC Meet.

If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your running career in high school?
I would push myself to practice harder during my middle school years.

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome during your HS Track career?
Finding time to get in running conditioning and practice while also playing Soccer.

What will you miss the most?
Saturday morning Cross Country Meets with my teammates.

Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Always put your best into you practices and competitions. Always run your races like they might be your last ones.

What are your post-highschool or college plans?Who would you like to say thank you to?
I will be going to UAH for Aerospace Engineering. I would like to thank my Cross Country and Track Coaches who have mentored and developed me over the years, especially those who were