Davis Atkins '16 Recruiting Profile

I began running competitively as a sixth-grader and fell in love. I was never one of the fast kids--in fact, I was the second slowest in my age group--but I couldn't get enough of it. I began running as often as I could, considering it a hobby; little did I know it would shape my entire life. From leadership to determination, running has taught me so many incredibly valuable traits I don't know where I would be without. Now, a senior in high school, I'm able to fully appreciate all running has done for me. I went from being one of the "slow kids" to the Missouri class 2, 800 m State Champion (also a part of All-State 4x800 and 4x400 teams) as well as an AAU All-American in the 800 and 4x800 my junior year.  I train six days a week, running cross country in the fall, indoor track meets through the winter, my regular high school season in the spring, and AAU track in the summer. I love running with all of my heart, and thank God every day that I have the ability to do what I love.