Salute to Seniors: Brevin Sims

Salute to Seniors


We're saluting the class of 2020 during a difficult time.

With the upcoming track season hanging in the balance, this senior class needs our support now more than ever.

If you wanted to be featured, get all of the information here on how we can honor you in your senior season.

Our first senior is Chattanooga Arts & Sciences hurdler Brevin Sims, who was days away from competing for a national indoor championship a few weeks ago.

Here's his submission.

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1. What made you get into track and field in the first place and what does this sport mean to you?
When I was younger I always had a passion for running. My mom enrolled me into football as my very first sport, but I hated it and only enjoyed running in practice, so my friend who was also on the football team suggested that I come to his track practice down the street one day after practice and the rest is history.

2. What was your most memorable race/competition?

My most memorable race was the USATF 2015 Junior Olympics 13-14 year-old 100mh final. That was my first time making a final at a national track meet. After finishing 5th and making the podium, that moment solidified the idea that I too am an elite level athlete. Since then, I have had the goal to one day stand at the top of a national podium.

3. Where did you face your biggest competition?

I faced my biggest competition in the state of Tennessee. Coming into every meet I knew someone was working to beat me, therefore I always had to be on my A game. Raising the bar early on in my high school career caused everyone to strive to surpass that bar, and having that target on my back pushed me to run faster. Learning to overcome adversity and how to win in difficult moments helped me become a dominant competitor in my respected event.

4. Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?

Out of all my high school accomplishments, the fact that I have broken multiple state records in US Top 10 times while also consecutively winning a state title every year stands out the most to me. I think that accomplishment displays the consistency in my training.

5. If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
If you could do it all over again, I would run more meets on the national level and also compete more outside of the state of Tennessee. I also would have liked to run faster earlier in my career to give me a stronger presence on the national level.

6.What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
I think the biggest obstacle I had to overcome was myself. I think my lack of confidence in my ability has caused me to lose some critical races and miss out on reaching my full potential, but this season I have put just as much into my mental ability as physical and I can see payoff.

7. What will you miss the most?




I will miss being able to compete with my teammates. I have had the same teammates forever and getting to train with them year to year and collectively see how our work transcends from practice to track meets is truly special. When my teammates win it feels like I have won and vice versa because we have a true appreciation for all the work put in behind the scenes.

8. Do you have any advice for younger athletes?





Strive to be your best self and let the universe do the rest of the work.

9. How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?

My coach (Donelle Dunning) has helped mold me into the man I am today. He has taught me how to carry myself on and off the track. He always pushes me to be more than just an athlete, and use my gift to reach my goals on and off the track. If it wasn't for his knowledge, discipline, and most importantly his constant outpour of love, I wouldn't have accomplished many of the things I have done till this day. He has pushed me to be my best self not to be able to boast as a coach, but because he loves me and wants to see me succeed.

10. What are your post-high school plans?

My post high school plans are to attend Syracuse University and get my degree, and turn pro.

11. Any shoutouts?

Shoutout to my mother for everything. She has been by my side through adversity and success, and if it wasn't for her love and sacrifices, I wouldn't have had the tools to get to this point in my career. She is one of the main reasons I get up every day and continue with the grind. I want to pay her back for all that she has done.

Telling the stories of track and field seniors in the state of Tennessee as they say goodbye to teammates, coaches and high school competition.