A late bloomer and participant to the sport of track & field, Cleveland's Mel Obadiah capped off his high school career with an All-State state meet finish in the 800 meter run last month at the TSSAA State Championships. He worked his 800 meter time down to a 1:57.38 personal best this spring.
Name: Mel Obadiah
School: Cleveland High School
What was your most memorable race/throw/jump/vault/moment?
My most rememberable race was my last race at state. I wasn't exactly please with the time because the wind factor. But it told me when you put the work in and don't give up things can happen. I actually placed 7th as an All-State runner beating some guys who ran all their life and me being only a second year track runner.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
I would say two things, my mind is first, because I always had the physical readiness but mentally can you run your best 800 meter race. My second is Bryce Nunnelly. As everyone knows the 800 is before the 4x400. I run and gas my energy on the 4x200 and 800 then come back to run 4x400 Bryce could move. He holds Walker Valley's 400 record. Let not to say we're both first leg, and I'm eager and a team player so I want Cleveland to win but his kicks gets the best out of me every time. You can't play around. You'll pay and I respect him for that!
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment was breaking the give up cycle and believing in myself. The coaches when I played basketball and Football, lied too me and said I was gonna be this and that but never actually worked with my little problems. I was always passed. But Coach Lonnie White told me if you give up on track that you're actually good at, your gonna give up in life when things hit you good! I learned that if want something and want to do it believe in yourself also with taking actions.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
Wish I would have did cross country. I tried out for doing four sports in high school (basketball, football, baseball, and soccer). If I would have go back looking on it, I would have did XC, because it gives a good base for 800 meter runners and disciplines you when it comes to giving up mentality. You are in the middle of nowhere!
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
My biggest obstacles was the stuttering, as being a team leader thru being vocal and actions. I try to be both, and express myself to athletes about discipline, even though sometimes get distracted myself.
What will you miss the most?
I won't necessarily miss high school, because greater things are store in front of me, but I'm gonna miss the friendships and life lessons from my coaches and good prepared meals by Mama Obadiah.
What advice would you give to younger athletes?
It's not about who likes what you're doing, or is it gonna get me far to be D1. No, do what you love and do it to the best of your your best abilities, whether sports or anything. Don't depend on people to tell you you're good. You have to believe in yourself.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
Coach Renshaw, Uncle Williams, and Bernie Mac (Coach Lonnie) had a lot and taught me how to be a young gentlemen, even with family drama how to move on.
What are your college plans?
Well I'm narrowing down chooses of schools between: Lindsey Wilson, Tennessee Weselyan, Alabama State, Iowa Central CC. I'm trying to pick the school to further my track career and academics. Finding a program with good mid-distance can be hard at times! But I'm glad to even be put in this opportunity.
Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?
I want to give a thank you out to Coach Tucker for not playing me. If I would play and got into b-ball games, I would never discovered my track talent, and be motivated that everything is not just given.
School: Cleveland High School
What was your most memorable race/throw/jump/vault/moment?
My most rememberable race was my last race at state. I wasn't exactly please with the time because the wind factor. But it told me when you put the work in and don't give up things can happen. I actually placed 7th as an All-State runner beating some guys who ran all their life and me being only a second year track runner.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
I would say two things, my mind is first, because I always had the physical readiness but mentally can you run your best 800 meter race. My second is Bryce Nunnelly. As everyone knows the 800 is before the 4x400. I run and gas my energy on the 4x200 and 800 then come back to run 4x400 Bryce could move. He holds Walker Valley's 400 record. Let not to say we're both first leg, and I'm eager and a team player so I want Cleveland to win but his kicks gets the best out of me every time. You can't play around. You'll pay and I respect him for that!
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment was breaking the give up cycle and believing in myself. The coaches when I played basketball and Football, lied too me and said I was gonna be this and that but never actually worked with my little problems. I was always passed. But Coach Lonnie White told me if you give up on track that you're actually good at, your gonna give up in life when things hit you good! I learned that if want something and want to do it believe in yourself also with taking actions.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
Wish I would have did cross country. I tried out for doing four sports in high school (basketball, football, baseball, and soccer). If I would have go back looking on it, I would have did XC, because it gives a good base for 800 meter runners and disciplines you when it comes to giving up mentality. You are in the middle of nowhere!
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
My biggest obstacles was the stuttering, as being a team leader thru being vocal and actions. I try to be both, and express myself to athletes about discipline, even though sometimes get distracted myself.
What will you miss the most?
I won't necessarily miss high school, because greater things are store in front of me, but I'm gonna miss the friendships and life lessons from my coaches and good prepared meals by Mama Obadiah.
What advice would you give to younger athletes?
It's not about who likes what you're doing, or is it gonna get me far to be D1. No, do what you love and do it to the best of your your best abilities, whether sports or anything. Don't depend on people to tell you you're good. You have to believe in yourself.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
Coach Renshaw, Uncle Williams, and Bernie Mac (Coach Lonnie) had a lot and taught me how to be a young gentlemen, even with family drama how to move on.
What are your college plans?
Well I'm narrowing down chooses of schools between: Lindsey Wilson, Tennessee Weselyan, Alabama State, Iowa Central CC. I'm trying to pick the school to further my track career and academics. Finding a program with good mid-distance can be hard at times! But I'm glad to even be put in this opportunity.
Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?
I want to give a thank you out to Coach Tucker for not playing me. If I would play and got into b-ball games, I would never discovered my track talent, and be motivated that everything is not just given.