PA Salute To Seniors: Franky Mills - Church Farm School
What was your mos
t memorable race/competition?
My most memorable race was probably the 4x8 at the Henderson Puma Invitational. Going into the season our team had a few goals, in which one of them was qualifying for the 4x8 for districts. Since our acceptance in the PIAA in 2008-09; we have never had a 4x8 team represented at districts. So qualifying for it in my senior year and getting points for our team was astonishing!
Where did you face your biggest competition?
The biggest competition I have faced was PIAA XC States. I started to run XC my junior year, so I was inexperianced and I missed states as a junior, but I was extremely determined to make it senior year. Although being an AA school, at the state level all the competition was even across the board; no matter what the classification was. States did not only have big competition, but the course definitely showed who had the most guts and who could not only defeat your opponents, but course as well.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
Being the first runner in school history to make it to XC states. That's something I wanted especially since I missed it my junior year.
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 definitely start out as a 3200 meter runner and work my way down the ladder. I started my track career as a 300 meter hurdler and 800m runner and did not realize my potential talent in the distance events. I would have also never quit XC my 7th grade year and started my junior year (thought I was a soccer player).
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most difficult obstacle i had to overcome was being the only distance runner on my team. We mainly had 100m-400m runners and I was pretty much the only 800m-3200m runner; besides a few young guys. As any distance runner knows, putting in mileage and pacing yourself during workouts is probably the hardest thing to do. It was generally hard just staying positive during my solo workouts and trying to push myself every stride.
What will you miss the most?
I will most definitely miss my friends I made through track. Most of all, I will miss my coaches. Coach Clary has been there since I started in 7th grade when I thought I was a hurdler (ps she's also a great spanish teacher). Im going to miss Coach Horsey's loud voice during my races (he never stopped yelling, even if you couldn't hear him). I'll miss Coach Wrice's speeches he always gave to the team. Nonetheless, I miss Coach DiSante and his peek workouts (he was always so sure about the workouts and I tell you what, this year was probably the hardest and smartest training i have ever done in my career).
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
My advice for the younger athletes is just stay positive and motivated and keep pushing hard even when it hurts because pain is only temporary. Success becomes forever when you are a person of determination and integrity.
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?
It's weird because I was coached under Coach Horsey until my junior year during indoor season and he continued his coaching career at his high school (Downingtown East)… and I ended my junior year with Coach Wrice and eventually entering my senior year with him along with Coach D. These men have pushed me to the limit and never gave up on me in the classroom and on the track. They always made sure my grades were good, because they knew if I worked hard in the classroom, it would transfer onto the track.
What are your college plans?
I will be attending Susquehanna University and hopefully studying business and psychology. I will also be running under Coach Marty Owens for the cross country and track team. GO CRUSADERS!
Shout-Outs?
Shout out to Armond, not sure what I'm going to do without you annoying me at practices. Shout out to Chris Lowry because I'm sure I'll be hearing big things from you your senior year!
Shout to our Athletic Director: Greg Thompson, and Coach Serbin our JV basketvall coach for cutting me off the team and forcing me to run indoor track (greatest decision ever haha). Shout to my club coach, Coach Lloyd! AAU track definitely made me realize my love for running. And not to mention, Coach Kistler; our throwing coach that encouraged me to run the 3200m and eventually becoming the 2012 PIAA District 1 2A Champion.
Overall, I would like to thank anyone who has been so supportive of me throughout my years at CFS as a Student-Athlete.
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.