James Keith – Imhotep Institute Charter HS
What was your most memorable race/competition?
My most memorable race was when my 4x4 relay and I won the Public League section at Penn Relays and made it back to the Tri-State race later on in the day against all of the best competition from the District 1 schools. That race meant a lot to me because since my 9th grade year, I always wanted to win a plaque at Penn Relays with my team and I finally got to do it my last year in High school. That was my school’s first ever time doing that, so we made history.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
I mostly faced my biggest competition at the invitational meets or when I would go up to New York at the Armory to compete. I faced my biggest competition at the invitational meets because I was running against good friends of mine from different Districts, which was good competition for me outside of the Pub because they pushed me through every race. Also, when my team went up to NY, we would face different competition from all over such as Tiden (NY), Forrest Park (VA), Edna Karr (LA), etc.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
An accomplishment that stood out to me during my High school years was being able to compete to my highest level in the 400m at many meets. That race alone took me a lot of places, such as to Districts, States, NY meets, etc, and even being invited to invitational meets to run it. Although I wasn’t the best in the state at the 400m, I pushed really good competition in PA and I ran against some of the best 400 runners in the state & I greatly appreciated every opportunity running with them.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
If I could do it all again, I would of focused more on the 200m. I say that because going into High school, I was peeking at 22 seconds. So that could have been another good race to compete in under my belt.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most difficult obstacle I had to overcome was not having a track at school! This was a big obstacle to overcome because the track is where a track athlete is destined to be, so by my school not having one, it was hard for me to work on the mechanical things that mattered most in a race.
What will you miss the most?
What I miss the most are my teammates, our practices, and my head coach Curtis Davis. My teammates meant the world to me, and every time I stepped on the line with “Imhotep” across my chest, I knew I had to do it for them. My coach did whatever he could do in his power to make sure we had successful track seasons despite our disadvantages so I thank him for that.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
The advice I have for younger kids is to “Never give up” and “Chase your Dreams”
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?
My coaches influenced my performances and my life goals overall by making sure I practiced hard, competed well, and helping me become a better leader to my team, by me being a 3 year Team Male Captain.
What are your college plans?
My college plans are to attend Penn State Harrisburg my freshman year, then transfer to Penn State Main Sophomore year. PSU Harrisburg is giving me an academic scholarship, and I will by studying Sports Management.
Shout-Outs?
Shout-Outs: My Family, Imhotep Track Team & Coaches, Mt.Airy Track Club, Kayla, Niager, Marquis, Pares, Jelani, Kadmiel, Eli, Tev, Boom, Jaire!
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