Name: Jared Eddy
What was your most memorable race/throw/jump/vault/moment?
For me it was definitely the Region 3 A-AA Championship XC race this past year. It could have been my last high school race but I gave everything I had and was able to qualify for my first and state championship race. The team also placed first which was the first time a team in our school's 110 year history brought home the gold trophy. That was a great day I will ever forget.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
Honestly, my best friend and teammate Alberto. He came in my sophomore year which is when I started taking running serious and he helped me push myself and the team every practice. We had a bit of a rivalry, but at the end of the day it was all to make each other better.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
In running, probably placing 7th at state for the 4x800m Relay my sophomore year. We got the wild card to compete at MTSU which was a super fun and we took home a state medal.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
Run cross country freshman year and put in a bunch of miles over the winter.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Junior year in track was tough. Coming off a year gong to state sets high expectations. A few days before Sub-Sectionals, we had a couple of seniors quit which were key to our relays and our chances at placing in the top two. I had to run the 3200m ,which I had only done once the whole year, 4x4, 4x8, and 800m in hopes our team could take home a plaque. My brother D'Andre also had to step up and he did in the hurdles. He ended up with 20 points and I was able get 24 which was a huge help. We took home the silver trophy and learned a very valuable lesson that day. No matter where you are ranked on the paper on race day, the race is on the track, not the heat sheet.
What will you miss the most?
The team, Coach Joyner and Coach Munson, and the amazing atmosphere of high school races.
What advice would you give to younger athletes?
Don't let your high school define your high school experience. Yeah coaches aren't perfect, athletes aren't perfect, and high school can just weigh you down at times. But don't let any of that affect your success and what you do. You can be the best runner, scholar, or even trumpet play if you want to be. The only person in the way is yourself.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
Coach Joyner was a major role in our team, and me personally, accomplishing the goals set. My goal was to place top 10 at regions and he helped me achieve just that and also dropped my time down by a minute. He just got done running at ETSU last year and I am so thankful he came to our school to teach and coach. He's been a great role model for the team, and me. I hope one day I am as great of a coach and man as he is.
What are your college plans?
I was super blessed to be able to sign with Carson-Newman University to run XC and track after graduation where I plan to major in Education and be apart of the ROTC program in hopes to be an Army Officer upon graduation.
Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?
I would like to thank Coach Joyner and Coach Munson for a great senior cross country season. Thank you to Coach Bloodsaw for always being there rain or shine. Thank you to Coach Early for making push through my limits. Thank you to Coach Robinson for being my first track coach. We went through a lot, and I can't wait to see what your gonna do. And last but not least, the Chattanooga Jets Track Club. Coach Dunning and Coach Mike Gadson are elite coaches and are men behind the scenes for all of the great track athletes in Chattanooga. Coach D, thank you for being a great leader and believing in me. Coach Mike, you are the backbone of the organization, without you I don't know where I'd be. Thank you for your service and continued hard work.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I'd also like to tell the young runners this. Race every race like it is your last but don't let one race define you. Some days you feel like running, and sometimes you don't. Just don't let a bad race define your whole running career. Your hard work will speak for itself and shine in the end.
