Salute To Seniors: Carl Heinz - Oak Park-River Forest

 


 

Salute To Seniors: Carl Heinz - Oak Park-River Forest

 
What was your most memorable race?

The race that was the most memorable to me was watching my best friend take 1st place in the 3200m run his senior year. I knew how great it felt to be crowned a state champ and I was ecstatic to be able to share something so special with my best friend. 
 
Who would you consider your biggest competition?
 
My biggest competition throughout my high jumping career would be Lake Park's Kevin Spejcher. He got the best of me early on freshman year, but since then he has pushed me to jump higher and higher. It has been a pleasure to jump with him.
 
Out of all of your high school accomplishments which stands out the most?
 
My final day competing as a Huskie was the day where I accomplished the most. I PR'd in the triple jump by just under a foot to take 5th place and I won the high jump by clearing 7'1. My team rallied off of each other and we were able to bring home a 3rd place trophy for head coach Tim Hasso.
 
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
 
These have been the most amazing years of my life, I would change nothing. I have been fortunate enough to accomplish what I have and it would be selfish to ask for more.
 
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
 
The most difficult obstacles for me were my confidence during my freshman and sophomore year. Once I was able to become consistent my confidence never wavered after that.
 
What will you miss the most?
 
I will miss team 109 and my coaches the most. This has been a second family to me that has showered me with love and support.

Do you have any advice for younger athletes? 
 
My advice for younger athletes is to keep setting goals and don't let failure determine your success.

What are your college plans?
 
Next year I plan to compete at Duke University and study the natural sciences.

Who would you like to say thank you to?
 
I would like to say thank you to my coach Danielle Dobias for always supporting me and being there for me as I struggled. I have grown and matured because of her and i can't be more thankful of any one person in my life.
 

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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.