Today we salute Jonae Cook of Norristown.
Cook closed out a terrific career in the sprints. She came away from her final state meet with a state title in the AAA 100 meters, as well as a third place medal in the AAA 200 meters. Indoors, Cook was third in the 60 meters and seventh in the 200 meters.
The Arkansas State recruit finished her high school career with personal bests of 7.12 in the 55 meters, 7.63 in the 60 meters, 11.89 in the 100 meters, and 24.41 in the 200 meters. She answered some questions reflecting on her time competing in high school.
Throughout the end of June and through July we we be honoring our graduating seniors. To submit your own questionnaire to be posted on the front page of PennTrackXC, check out this page and email your responses to Dan Beck (daniel.beck@flosports.tv).
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What was your most memorable race/competition?
My most memorable race has to be the 100m State Final race. That is something I will always remember because as a freshman, sophomore, junior, or even in the first few months of senior year would I have seen myself getting a state title.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
I usually faced my biggest competition at indoor meets, especially in New York. Those meets had girls from many states and the finals were always close.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
Winning States and breaking the 55m-100m records at my school.
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 over again I would've definitely started to listen to my coach earlier. Once I listened & started to believe in what he was saying, great things happened.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Some difficult things were injuries. I've had hamstring issues which jeopardized my junior year outdoor state meet. I also had knee issues which also slowed my progress down sometimes.
What will you miss the most?
I'll definitely miss my teammates & coaches. Also, wearing a Norristown uniform!!!
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Believe in yourself! Anything is possible if you believe in yourself & listen to your coaches! Also don't influenced by the wrong things & throw your talent away it'll hurt you in the long run! Stick with it if you truly enjoy it and you will be happy with the results in the end.
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?
Yes definitely, my coaches were the main reason my performances improved over the years. Gave me everything I needed to succeed.
What are your post-high school plans?
I'll be attending Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR to continue running, 16 hours away but it'll be worth it. I'll be majoring in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management & I plan on working for FEMA post graduation.
Any shoutouts?
Shoutout to Coach Milton, he's the GOAT! Thank you for being a great coach these 4 years & showing me the way!!!
Coach Yah, she always believed in me. Before my 100m final you said "You gotta push in that final.. I promise you... if you push and run your race she will not catch you.. you are more in shape and now how to run rounds. Great job.. drink water and eat the fruit!! You know what you have to do!! " and that gave me so much confidence and made me feel 100x better before I ran so THANK YOU!
Ramir, I'm going to miss you even though you're sooo annoying lol but I'll be expecting to see your name top 3 at BOTH indoor & outdoor states!
Austin... we got really close somehow & ima miss messing with you!!! Minor setback for a MAJOR comeback.. rooting for you!
The Norristown Track Team... continue the legacy.. have fun, break records & wear the uniform with pride I will miss you all & I will come to visit when I'm home!!!
Finally BIG shoutout to all of my supporters/family & people who have invested in me! I really appreciate you all, your support has taken me far!
