Salute to Seniors: Emilea Finley - Colby

 

Salute To Seniors: Emilea Finley

 

What was your most memorable race?

I would have to say the 1600m race from my junior year would have had to been my most memorable race. It was my first state championship that I had ever won, and it was a complete surprise for me. I didn't know I had it in me.
 
What was your biggest competition?

State has been the biggest meet I have ever competed in. Otherwise, I'm usually just at low key meets all year, but there is still great competition there.

Out of all of your high school accomplishments which stands out the most?

It would have to be winning three gold medals at the state meet this year.

If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?

That's really hard to say, because everything ended up okay for me in the end. But if anything, I wish I would have just listend to my high school coaches during my cross country season instead of trying to take advice from other people.
 
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
 
Well, my state cross country meet did not go well for me, and I ended up only placing 20th my senior year. My confidence really dropped after that. Then at some point this last year, I became anemic and kept getting slower and slower, but I really didn't realize it until track season. From my first meet to my last meet during the track season, I consistently improved and ended up taking off 56 seconds off my mile.
 
What will you miss the most?
 
I'm going to miss all of my coaches, because they have been so supportive no matter how I do. They really helped me get my confidence back and taught me how to just love the sport again.
 
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
 
Yes. You need to always just have fun with running. If it's not fun, then something is wrong. There is a time to work hard, and there is a time to just enjoy yourself.
 
What are your college plans?
 
I am planning to major in biochemistry while running for Wichita State University.
 
Who would you like to say thank you to?
 
I would have to say thank you to almost everyone in Colby. I'm really going to miss my home town. They are all so supportive.
 
 

More Coverage

Emilea's Athlete Profile

2012 College Signings

 

Want to be featured in our Salute To Seniors series? Drop me a line: DEverett@milesplit.com and answer the questions above! Congratulations to the class of 2012 on all their hard work and success