Salute To Seniors: Sydni Meunier - Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley
What was your most memorable race?
My most memorable race is a tough one because I have had a lot of milestones in my career. Also at State my senior year when I ran my goal time of 4:50 was an amazing race for me to accomplish because that was my goal all year long and that was the exact race I had hoped to do so. I loved running the 4x4. My teammates are amazing and when I got the baton in the state finals we were in sixth or seventh (i am the 3rd leg) and then I passed everyone by the homestretch, and handed it off in first where our anchor brought it home in a final time of 3:59. A huge goal for us was to get under 4:00, and also win a state championship. Lastly, would be the first time I ever ran the mile my sophomore year because it was a super exciting time to try something new and run a state qualifying time, and then three years later become a two time state champ in that event.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments which stands out the most?
The high school accomplishment that stands out the most would just be the overall legacy this track team will leave at GCMS. Personally I leave as a 5x State Champion and nine times all-state. Together as a team we have broken almost every school record, been 3x conference champs, 2x sectional champs, and then a school best of any sport 2nd place finish at state. It is something really special to have such a strong team and to have the ability to impact many kids younger than you and even the adults and supporters in our town.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
If I absolutely had to change something I would have tried the mile sooner than my sophomore year, but I honestly wouldn't want to change anything else. My school, teammates, coaches, and family have been there for me every step of the way and have helped me to accomplish every goal I have set. I couldn't ask for anything more than that.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most difficult obstacles I had to overcome were probably just not being experienced or knowledgeable about the sport when I started. My dad helped me TREMENDOUSLY with training in the off season and researching proper nutrition and warmups and all the little things of becoming a successful runner. Coming into this we both were complete newbies and figured it out as we went. I thank him so much for all the hours he put in to helping me reach my dreams.
What will you miss the most?
I will most definitely miss my teammates the most. I have the greatest girls as teammates and will miss them dearly. At practice we would always be doing the goofiest things and making workouts a blast. Team cheers, sleepover, dress up days, and laughter all led to our success on the track as an elite Illinois team. These years will be ones I will be telling my grandchildren about someday. I will also really miss the country roads I always train on near my house, they have done me well.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
My advice for younger athletes would be to have big dreams. From those dreams make your goals, short term and long term, and write them down. I read somewhere that by writing them down and looking at them everyday makes them much more likely to be achieved. Setting goals is a huge part of my success and is useful in many parts of life besides running too. Also, people have to do what they love. When you love something, it is easy to give it 110%, and that's what it takes to excel in it.
What are your college plans?
My college plans are to attend the University of Notre Dame. I will be running cross country (for the first time), indoor track, and outdoor track. I plan to major in Biology, with intentions of later going on to medical school, possibly in the field of orthopedics.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I have soooo many people I would like to say thank you too. God, for blessing me with my abilities. My family, for being so supportive of me in everything that I do and always being available to go with me on runs and cheering me on at meets. They do so much I can't say enough. Also my coaches, for always encouraging me and believing in me. The school administration, who were so accommodating and supportive of our track program and made what we did possible. I also cannot say enough about our town in general. All of the people were/are so supportive and encouraging and behind us every step of the way. I never knew how much of an impact a high school girls team could have and all the people that care about us and were touched.
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Want to be featured in our Salute To Seniors series? Drop me a line: TGrasley@milesplit.com and answer the questions above! Congratulations to the class of 2012 on all their hard work and success.