Salute to seniors: Anna Fairey

What was your most memorable race/competition?
My most memorable race was the 4 x 800 at the Taco Bell Classic this season. We weren’t expected to place very high, but we managed to finish 2nd. We ran a 9:25.22, which was the best time in the state this season and is the Wando school record. I split a 2:22, which was a big PR. Another memorable race was the state track meet this season. I qualified for the 1600 along with three teammates, and ran a 5:17 PR.

Where did you face your biggest competition? Probably at the Taco Bell Classic. I raced against many talented runners which helped me to get some of my best times. The Wendy's Invite for cross-country also has awesome competition.

Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
Winning state for cross-country my senior season was pretty awesome. I didn't run my best race, but the team did well which is what matters. Our track team was runner-up at state, our highest finish ever. Also, being a part of the school record 4 x 800 team, and finishing 6th in the 1600 at state for track were also big accomplishments.

If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
I don’t think I would change anything that I did. I was always pretty good with my training and doing the little things, such as getting enough sleep and doing core work. The only things I would change are things that aren’t in my control.

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
I had several obstacles that I had to overcome throughout my high school career. One of which happened my sophomore year. That year, I injured my knee a week before our first meet. I was out for almost a month, but I was able to race again about halfway through the season. I ran a 5:30 1600 at our region meet, which was a 10 second PR. I guess all that cross-training and icing that I did really paid off!!

What will you miss the most?
I’ll miss the great competition, the meets, and meeting nice people from other teams. I’ll also miss running with my younger sister, Melissa, and seeing the friends I’ve made from track and cross-country on a daily basis.

Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Avoid the temptation to take shortcuts. I believe hard work and perseverance are what counts. Also, never give up. If you have a bad race or something bad or unfair happens to you, don’t spend time thinking about it. Just move on and try to get over it. I've learned that being positive helps a lot!

How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?
Coach Tom Reagan, my seventh grade track coach, and Coach Tami Dennis, my club track coach, were both very supportive and valued quality workouts over quantity. This training style worked well for me. I always enjoy competing with the Mount Pleasant Track Club in the summer, it’s a great atmosphere. I plan on taking this discipline with me to college.

What are your college plans?
I am going to Clemson and will be majoring in engineering. I’ll probably run club track and cross-country. Classes will definitely come first, but I’ll try to get some runs in when I can.

Shout-Outs?
I’d like to give a shout-out to my parents. They were very supportive with my running career, and at least one of them came to all of my races. I'd also like to thank them for buying all the running shoes and gear that I've needed over the years!! I'd also like to give a shout-out to the Mount Pleasant Track Club. I started my running career there a really long time ago, and I've been running competitively ever since.