Recent Hardin Valley Academy graduate Willington Wright had an impressive career running in East Tennessee. He capped it off with a pair of state championships in the 4x400 and 400 meters.
And his career isn't over yet.
In this edition of our "Salute to Seniors" series, Wright tells us about his most memorable experiences as a Hawk, and what advice he has for younger athletes moving forward.
What was your most memorable race/competition?
New Balance indoor and outdoor nationals was definitely my favorite experience of high school track! The level of competition was amazing and pushed me to my fastest splits!
Where did you face your biggest competition?
New Balance outdoor nationals, specifically in the 400 (I was quite terrified) I was in lane eight running against Tyrese Cooper. It was a tough race but I gave it my all and that's all I could ask for!
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
I accomplished many things in a short span of only two years. The accomplishments I would say stand out the most are my two All-American spots I earned at New Balance nationals with the best relay team in Tennessee!!! ;)
New Balance indoor and outdoor nationals was definitely my favorite experience of high school track! The level of competition was amazing and pushed me to my fastest splits!
Where did you face your biggest competition?
New Balance outdoor nationals, specifically in the 400 (I was quite terrified) I was in lane eight running against Tyrese Cooper. It was a tough race but I gave it my all and that's all I could ask for!
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
I accomplished many things in a short span of only two years. The accomplishments I would say stand out the most are my two All-American spots I earned at New Balance nationals with the best relay team in Tennessee!!! ;)
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
Honestly, NOTHING! I was so blessed to have been able to compete with HVA and I wouldn't change any of those moments for the world.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Practicing was hard for me because I was already a pretty good runner when I first started. So pushing myself past my limits was very difficult because I thought I was already giving 100% when I was only giving 50%.
What will you miss the most?
The people I met. I made some lifelong friends and I will definitely miss my track family in college. Also Coach Brown's whistle noise when you weren't running fast enough.
The people I met. I made some lifelong friends and I will definitely miss my track family in college. Also Coach Brown's whistle noise when you weren't running fast enough.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
You speak into existence what you will do on the track and never go into a race believing that you don't have a chance of winning.
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?
Coach Brown has definitely impacted my work ethic, thinking process, and whole expectation of what I should have about my life on and off the track.
What are your post-high school plans?
I plan on going to MTSU and studying Music Business with a minor in Audio Production. I also plan on becoming a pro runner!
Any shoutouts?
God, God, and only God! It's only through Him I was about to obtain true Godspeed.