Homewood senior Aaron Ernest went into his final year of high school track and field knowing it was his last chance to bring home a gold medal, a feat he had yet to accomplish. Ernest wasn't shy about setting his season goals high: blisteringly fast times and an undefeated season. He was able to accomplish both this spring by focusing on building up his strength.
“At the beginning of the year I set my goals for 10.25 and 21.3. I worked harder in the weight room than I have ever worked all four years of high school. After finishing second last year to my friend and also my summer track teammate Maudrecus Humphrey it made me work as hard as possible to not lose a race this year.”
With Humphrey gone Ernest knew it was time to shine; however, also understood the target that comes with being on top. Shrugging off the pressure, Ernest took home not only his first gold but two more by winning the Alabama State Championships in the 100, 200, and long jump.
“I think the key to winning the 100 and 200 was not to false start. I knew going into both races that if I didn’t false start I should win. I didn’t false start all four years of track and I was hoping to not do it for the first time at states. The key to the long jump was to put pressure on the rest of the jumpers. I jumped 23-05.00 on my first jump which was ultimately the winning jump. I also helped my team to a fifth place finish at state so it felt great knowing that all the hard work paid off.”
Earlier in the season Ernest etched his name amongst the nation’s best when he ran a blazing 10.17. Although it was wind-aided, the senior says he was feeling good and had there been no wind at all he could have posted a 10.2. He believes people might look at his 10.17 differently because of the asterisk next to it, but that doesn’t bother him.
The stat junkie admits he play close attention to the rankings, but it isn’t just self-serving; he’s a true fan of the sport.
“I don’t just look at my events I like to look at all the events and see how fast people are running, throwing, and jumping. Winning is definitely more important to me though than rankings. I would rather win a race running 10.4 than to come in second but run a 10.2 I hate to lose at anything no matter if it’s track, cards, or computer games.”
Ernest’s undefeated streak will be on the line when he joins the nation’s best sprinters in New York City for the Adidas Dream 100. He knows what the field will be like and what’s at stake.
“I was very excited to be invited to a meet with so much talent. I can’t wait to prove myself against the elite competition in the U.S. like Marvin Bracy and Bradley Sylve. I have never been to New York. I am most looking forward to the race because you have three guys who’s PR’s are under 10.2. I think this has potential to be one of the greatest high school races ever.”
Against a stacked field it will be hard to shake the pre-race jitters. Ernest says his ability to remain calm is the key to victory. On hand at the Adidas Grand Prix will be some of the greatest sprinters in American history, Tyson Gay and Maurice Greene. Ernest plans to watch them and soak in all the information and advice he can pick up.
The Homewood senior has always had dreams of going back home to Louisiana. The difference is he used to think he would be playing football for LSU and then one day suiting up for the hometown Saints. Now instead it’s his track speed that has paid his ride to college.
“They signed me when my fastest time was 10.49. Other schools I was considering were Wake Forest and Kentucky for football, but I knew if I was going to run track somewhere it was going to be at LSU so I wasn’t really interested in any other schools for track. I picked the Tigers because I grew up in New Orleans and have been an LSU fan. I am looking forward to racing against elite competition every day at practice which only makes me better. Also working with arguable the greatest sprint coach ever, Coach Dennis Shaver. Off the track I am looking forward to getting a degree from LSU, going to football games, meet new people, and eating great food.”
Personal Bests
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100 Meter Dash 10.17
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200 Meter Dash 20.86
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Long Jump 24-2
