Zachary Woodall '22 Recruiting Profile

I started running when I was in third grade because my brother did it, so I thought I would try it out. I had to balance it out with soccer as I was playing two sports simultaneously. I have played numerous sports all my life but once I got to high school, I felt that Cross Country is where most of my talent was taking me.

I ran freshman year and started to move up in rankings on the team. Each time I would check, my name continued to rise due to my hard work. When freshman track began, I was hoping I could run sub 5:00 in the mile. By the end of track, I was running 4:47 for the mile and 10:16 for the two mile.

Sophomore year I constantly battled injuries but was able to ultimately find success. In cross country, we ran our first race and I raced well but the week after I suffered an adductor strain in my thigh. While injured, I constantly biked and exercised to stay in shape while working with the trainer. I was out for five weeks and upon returning I came back strong and I was putting times down better than the previous race. Our team earned the opportunity to race in the Kentucky State meet on a hilly course in Lexington, Kentucky. I placed third on the team and finished top 25 on the all state team, which helped us secure the state title. I finished with a personal best at the State meet on a difficult course. During the start of track while running base mileage , I had a stress reaction in my right tibia. Although injured and rehabbing we discovered that our track season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The only reason I was able to come back strong from my injuries, is my dedication and hard work for the sport; they have gotten me to where I am today.

I also work hard in the classroom. I maintain a high GPA and have been on honor roll each year in high school. I was also academic all state in cross county.