Today, we salute Emmanuel Ampofo of Neshaminy.
The sprinter closed out a very strong high school career. He was most notably apart of Neshaminy's 4x400 meter relay squad that captured the PIAA Class AAA state title in May. That squad went 3.16.23 to take the win in dramatic fashion by .02.
Ampofo clocked outdoor PRs of 11.02 in the 100 meters and 22.32 in the 200 meters. He was also an indoor state meet qualifier, running a 60 meter PR of 7.08 this past winter.
Ampofo, headed to the University of Pittsburgh in the fall, reflected on his career for PennTrackXC.
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What was your most memorable race/competition?
My most memorable competition was at Penn Relays where we won two wheels in the 4x400. Just running in front of such a crowd was a surreal experience and I don't think I'll ever forget it.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
Although we've been to nationals and all, the most competition I've experienced was in the 2019 PIAA State championship.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
Our State title in the 4x400 with Savaughn Hebron, Ethan Nolan and Savion Hebron.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
I would have ran track since freshman year and taken it more seriously.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Injuries and distractions. I've always tried to do too much and working hard but not as smart. This year I worked smarter and more effectively.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss all the fun times at practice. Even though they were tough, they were enjoyable times where we would have fun but also get to it when it was time to work.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Trust in the coaching even if you think you know better. They've been doing it for a while now. Also work on your craft in your own time as well as at practice.
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?
They've showed me that your performance is just a mirror of the work you put in and that tough times don't last.
What are your post-high school plans?
I plan on attending the University of Pittsburgh to study Pharmacy and walking onto the track team
Any shoutouts?
First of all I'd like to thank my family, my coaches, Syd White and Dave Reick, also my teammates.
