MileSplit -Salute to Seniors -- Georgia Hitchcock - Cody

Georgia Hitchcock

Cody High School

What was your most memorable race/moment?

My most memorable race was my sophomore year of Cross Country. It was the state meet and my nerves were everywhere. I was placed as seventh runner on the team that year. I knew that no matter what place on the team I was, I mattered just like everyone else. It was the last mile and an half and my coaches yelled at me that our first and second runner have fallen back and that I needed to make up ground. I knew that they were counting on me. I pushed myself to go. If I didn't pushed myself that day, I would have never seen the pleased faces of my coaches at the finish line. I made up some ground for our team. My first year running at state we placed 3^rd as a team.

Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?

My biggest competition over my four years was myself. Pushing myself to work harder and not give up was the hardest achievement. Every race is about whether or not you have the mentality to push yourself to do better.

If I could do it all over again I would change my attitude about summer training. It was very difficult for me to go out a run by myself. I wish I would've found that motivation to get up and go run a couple miles so that when the season came I would be prepared.

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?

The most difficult obstacle I had to overcome was injuries. They aren't easy to come back from. After being injured, you fear the thought of being injured again and not being able to perform as well as you did before.

What will you miss the most?

The team is what I will miss the most about any sport I have done. They were very supportive throughout my whole career and pushed me to be the runner I am today. Without the team, I probably would've given up many times.

What advice you would give to younger athletes?

Be Determined. Be Positive. Every athlete wants to become better, but you can't do that without being determined to get the work done. You aren't the only one suffering.

What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?

My coaches never gave up on me. Instead they pushed me to shoot for my goals. They pushed me to run that extra mile, to take three hard steps when they saw I was falling off, and to be an example to others. Every race that I set a personal record or placed was because of them.

What are your college plans?

I am attending McPherson College in Kansas and plan on majoring in Special Education. I have been accepted into the Bulldog Cross Country and Track program, and I'm exciting to start next fall.

Who would you like to say thank you to?

I would like to say thank you to all who have supported me through my sports and academic careers. With your support, I have become a better athlete and person. I have learned many traits and lessons over the years that I will continue to use as I continue with my future. I hope to have the same impact on other athletes and people as you all had on me.