While T.R. Miller freshman cross country and track star and state champion Karisa Nelson recently placed first in the state for class 3A, she can add another championship to her resume.
Nelson recently raced in a race in North Carolina for freshmen and sophomores and claimed first place there.
“Footlocker is one of the most competitive races in the south and I was looking forward to the challenge,” Nelson said. “Initially I was to do the seeded race and then the director thought because of how young I am I should the frosh/soph race. When we are at races people are always talking about the Footlocker race in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“I ran two miles of the race in second place and then when I still had the energy so I took first for the rest of the race.”
Nelson said competing against other runners from other states was fun.
“I like to challenge myself and meet people from other places,” Nelson said. “It felt good to represent Alabama, because we are not usually recognized for running.”
Nelson began running for T.R. Miller her seventh grade year on the high school team. She finished second in the state that year with a time of 19:17 and followed up her eighth grade year of 2008 with a first place finish and a time of 18:53. This year as a freshman, Nelson placed first again with a time of 18:41.
“Its something I want to be successful in and if you are really determined and willing to do the work you can succeed,” Nelson said of why she thinks she has been so successful as a runner at such a young age.
While Nelson is only a freshman in high school with still three more years to go, college recruiters cannot officially talk to her yet about recruiting her to a college, but she wants to run at the college level.
“By law no one is allowed to contact me personally till I am a senior,” Nelson said. “But there are coaches that ask my teammates or my parents questions about me. Right now, I want to run for Alabama, but these can change cause I know I am young.”
Following the race in North Carolina, Nelson had other races she plans to run in as well.
“I ran in the AAU nationals in Orlando a few weeks ago,” Nelson said. “My goal is to finish in the top 10. I don’t want a break, but I probably will be made to take one after this week. I am ready to start training for track.”
Nelson said while she has been successful in her running, there are many people she would like to thank.
“I appreciate all the support people in the community given me,” Nelson said. “Thank you to my three coaches who always are encouraging me – Coach Atkinson, Coach Ash, and Coach Dobson. Also thanks to the Brewton Standard for covering our cross country season.”