This senior is from Sparkman High School, a speedy 1:59 800 runner, Matthew Hiles. You may also recognize Matthew from his exploits as Batman and as the Sparkman Senator at the Rocket City Showcase!
Q: What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
A: Vanilla
Q: Where are you planning to attend college? Or do you have other post high school plans?
A: University of Alabama in Huntsville
Q: Do you plan to continue competing in track and field or cross country in college?
A: No
Q: What is your favorite event to compete in and why?
A: The 800 is my favorite event to compete in because it's not too long, but not too short, perfectly in the middle. The 800 is a hard event because you need speed as well as good endurance.
Q: Do you have any pre-race/competition rituals or superstitions?
A: During cross country season, the night before I would lay in my bed and envision the whole race and imagine me sprinting across the finish line coming in at a new PR. During track season I would just warm up stretch and go out there and run.
Q: Which track or cross country meet was your favorite and why?
A: My favorite track meet has to be the Rocket City Invitational. It was super fun because I ran the Steeplechase as Batman and also ran as the Sparkman Senator Mascot in the Mascot 400.
Q: What is your favorite memory or highlight from your time on the track and field or cross country team?
A: I really loved the state meet because I got to spend 4 days in a row with my friends. We did so many things together during our free time and I got to make a super duper awesome sauce YouTube video (YouTube @ matthewhiles )(free plug)
Q: Is there anyone that you'd like to give a special shout-out to?
A: I would love to shout out every single one of my teammates, friends, and family who were along for the ride! In particular I wanna thank JD Wine for running with me all season and making all the track meets fun. Alexander Bratton for making my amazing posters. Also anyone else who made my track meets and videos 10 times better (They know who they are)
Q: What is one piece of advice you would like to leave for your teammates as you graduate?
A: If you have a dream don't procrastinate and work hard. I regret not taking running seriously until senior year. Keep God first and don't let ANYTHING distract you from Him. Also do your stretching and hit the gym and get some muscle.
