PA Salute To Seniors: Sam Hibbs - Hatboro-Horsham

 

PA Salute To Seniors: Sam Hibbs - Hatboro-Horsham



What was your most memorable race/competition?
My most memorable race was this year's state track and field championships. It was my third year in a row competing in the 3200m. Coming in seeded first, I knew it was gold or bust for me. It has been my goal for the last 3 years to win states in the 3200m and to make that goal become reality was a great feeling.

Where did you face your biggest competition?
I faced my biggest competition this year at the New Balance Nationals Outdoor Track and Field Championships. I ran the championship section of the 2 mile. I came into the race seeded last so I knew the competition was going to be tough. However, I knew it was the kind of race where the environment would be best to run fast. I ended up running 9:10.15 for the full 2 mile which converts to a PR for me in the 3200m, and also helped me break my school record in both the 3200m and the 3000m.


Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
I think the thing that stands out the most in all my high school accomplishments is the fact that I earned 6 state medals in both cross country and track and field. It is one thing to be able to win states, but it is another to say that you were able to consistently compete at a high level with some of the best runners in the state. Obvious;y, winning the state gold was my biggest race, but my biggest accomplishment is the culmination of all the state medals that I have earned.

If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
I definitely would have done indoor track and field all 4 years of high school. My freshmen and sophomore years I did swimming instead of running track. But, looking back, I think I would have been better every year if i would have ran all year round.

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
I think the most difficult obstacle I had to overcome was the disappointment at the end of this year's cross country season. My goal coming into the season was to win states. Unfortunately, near the end of the season I started having some physical problems dealing with my blood energy levels and I didn't run good in the championship races. After that happened it was really hard for me to gain my confidence back and know that I could still compete with the best runners in the state. Near the end of indoor track, I started having some good races which helped me to get some confidence which I carried with me into outdoor track.

What will you miss the most?

I think the thing I am going to miss the most is competing against the people in our state. Our state is very special in the fact that a majority of the better runners in the state are really nice people and lots of us have become friends. Above all else I will miss running with my boy, Conner Quinn. It is going to be different not having him to run with in college and I know we are both going to miss it.


Do you have any advice for younger athletes? 

My advice for younger athletes is just work hard. One of my favorite quotes is, "Hard work beats talent, when talent isn't working hard." As long as you work hard at what you are doing, good things are bound to happen.

How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?
I couldn't have asked for better coaches throughout my high school career. I have to thank Mr. Bob Ayton, who coached me for my first three years of cross country, he taught me a lot about running and also how to be a better person. I also have to thank Mr. Russell Coleman. He helped me to be able to win the state championship this season and I know I couldn't have done it without his help.

What are your college plans?
I am going to attend Liberty University next year. I will be competing there in both cross country and track and field. My goal is simply to keep improving and hopefully help the team to make it to Nationals.
 
Shout-Outs?
I want to shout out to Conner Quinn and Brendan Shearn. They are both very talented runners and I can't wait to see how both of their seasons go next year, I know you will both do big things.

 

 

Want to be featured in our PA Salute To Seniors series? Drop me a line: don@penntrackxc.com and answer the questions above! Congratulations to the class of 2012 on all their hard work and success.