The 2016-2017 school year has provided some great highlights in both cross country and track across the Sunshine State. In the coming weeks many of our seniors will head out to start their college careers both athletically and academically. We wanted to salute them one more time in this special feature and say thank you for your support over the years.
Today we salute Wharton High School runner Bryanna Rivers. Rivers was a three-time state qualifier in the 1,600 and four-time state qualifier in the 800 meters. She was the 4A runner-up in the 800 as a senior and will continue her track career at UMass.
What was your most memorable race/moment?
My most memorable moment was at the state meet this year in the 800. I was the runner-up and that's the best place I have finished in all my four years of high school.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
I would say my biggest competition was Bailey Hertenstein of Riverview.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
The state meet in the 800 when I ran 2:10. That was a personal best for me!
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I wish I would have gotten the chance to work with Coach Lojacano longer.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most difficult obstacles were balancing track and all my other extracurricular activities.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss being teammates with my brother and sister.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
No matter how difficult things may get always keep going. You're never going to have the best race of your life every single time you step on the track. Pick yourself up and try again.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals? I tend to have trouble being confident in myself and my abilities. Coach Lojacano has taught me the importance of confidence and the mental aspect of track. He always told me before every race, "No matter what happens I'm always proud of you." This will always stick with me in the years to come.
What are your college plans?
I plan on obtaining a biology degree and then do an accelerated nursing program.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would first and foremost like to thank God for his continued blessings and the gift of running. Nothing is possible without him and all the credit goes to him. I would also like to thank my parents for taking me to practices and meets and supporting me through the ups and downs so I would be able to have opportunities. Coach L, thank you for for being an amazing coach and pushing me when I thought I couldn't go any faster and taking a chance on me.
Last, but not least I would like to thank Tré and Nia for being awesome training partners, friends, and siblings. I love you two so incredibly much and the hardest part of leaving is not being able to have the both of you with me everyday. I know I can always talk to you guys about anything. You both are so talented and you are going to do amazing things in the years to come. I love you both and God bless.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
GO UMASS!!!!!!!!
