Salute To Seniors: Larry Grier - Raines High School


The 2017-2018 school year has provided some great highlights in both cross country and track across the Sunshine State. In the coming weeks many of our seniors will head out to start their college careers both athletically and academically. We wanted to salute them one more time in this special feature and say thank you for your support over the years. (Photo by Cedric Gillette)

Today we salute Raines senior Larry Grier.


What was your most memorable race/moment?

My most memorable race was at the2018 Bob Hayes Invitational track meet when we were the under dogs, in the 4x100 relay, to Miami Northwestern and we were neck and neck coming into to the final stretch and we found a way to serge past them to collect the win.

Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?

My biggest competition this year was the clock. I have run against some amazing people, even future Olympians, but nothing was like running against the clock. The clock didn't stop for anyone. It didn't catch cramps or stop because it wasn't feeling well. The clock was always on it's A game.

What was your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment was making it to a college to run for the next four years of my life.

If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?

The only thing I would change is that I would run with socks on because running without them caused an injury that I have had throughout my high school career.

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?

The most difficult things that I faced were that for the past three years I have ran with an hole in my foot and to make matters worse, I split my big toe. But I continued to run with it and didn't let it stop me from accomplishing my goals.

What will you miss the most?

I will miss the bond that I have created with my team.

What advice you would give to younger athletes?

Be phenomenal or be forgotten!

What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?

My coach has played a major part. He was not only my coach, but he was like a father to me and kept me on the right path. He made me a true believer of believing in the process.

What are your college plans?

I will be attending Florida International University on a track scholarship.

Who would you like to say thank you to?

I would like to thank all the coaches that helped me to get to where I'm at. I would like to thank my mom for all the things she has done for me because without her I wouldn't be where I am today. Lastly, I would like to thank the wonderful guidance counselor, Ms. Andrews, for staying on top of me and making sure I had all the things I needed to run, not only in high school but in college.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

I would like to thank you Todd for giving me the opportunity to tell what I've been through and what I have accomplished.

Seniors, don't be left out! Submit your Salute to Seniors answers to Todd.Grasley@flosports.tv and be featured on the site!