Personal Statement
My name is Ryan Foley and I attend Mount Olive High School, Class of 2026. I have been running since 3rd grade and if it wasn’t for my recreation coach, 3rd grade probably would have been my last year. I remember my last track practice of my first season; it was pouring rain and freezing cold. I came off the track telling my parents how much I wanted to quit. My coach came up to me and asked if I would consider cross country for the fall because they needed kids for the team. He somehow convinced me to join and I ended up in cross county. While I struggled that fall and in future years, I continued to run cross country and track and field every year because I grew to love it. Then came my 7th grade year. I remember my first race of my 7th grade cross country season because it was our first meet after being in lockdown for covid. During covid I was outside every day either biking or running with my neighbors but there was no “official” practice due to covid. I had no idea where I was skillswise but the gun went off and the next thing I knew I was crossing the finish line in 1st place and won my first race ever. From there I started to love it! I continue to listen to my coaches, learn, and work hard on the trails, on the track, and in the classroom. As a result, my times have consistently been improving each season, every year. I am extremely dedicated and highly motivated to be the best I can be and hope to continue to improve at every level of competition.
