Name: Joey Purser
School: Pepperell High School
Personal Bets
1600m: 4:48
3200m: 10:44.55
In 2015 Joey Won both the the 16000m and the 3200m at the GA Region 5-AAA Track and Field Championships.
What was your most memorable race/competition?
My most memorable race in high school was my senior cross country region this past fall when me and my teammate finished first and second and were both interviewed by the local paper who wrote a story about us naming us the "One Two Punch."
Where did you face your biggest competition?
I faced my biggest competition at the Footlocker region race which was won by Andrew Hunter.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment was winning my track region this year in the 1600m and the 3200m.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
If I could change my high school running career I would definitely have started doing serious training my freshman year instead of my senior year. I didn't take running seriously until I was a senior and I regret it because I could be so much better now.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
My most difficult obstacles were injuries in my quadriceps my junior year of track.
What will you miss the most?
I'll mostly miss the bus rides to cross country meets where my teammates and I would have rap battles, play games, etc.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
I would tell a younger athlete to determine whether they have passion for the sport early and if they do, take training seriously.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
My coach always pushed me to improve every race and to train hard. We talked about the sport a lot, and by the end of high school he was not only a coach but also a friend.
What are your college plans?
Next year I plan to attend Kennesaw State University to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. I'll also be a member of the KSU cross country club.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I'd like to thank my parents for support, my coach, my school for offering cross country and track, and Milesplit for having this senior salute. Just basic stuff.
Want to be featured in the Salute to Seniors Series? Send us your answers at jojo@flosports.tv with your Twitter handle!