Reflections on being a Foot Locker Finalist

Foot Locker National Championships 2013

In the world of US high school running, there is a certain universal truth; being a Foot Locker Finalist is a big deal.  This year, as in the 34 years that preceded it, there is a new cadre of elite harriers that can now claim they are Foot Locker Finalists.   Being a Foot Locker Finalist is the culmination of hard work, desire, vision, and a certain responsibility that comes with being a member of such an elite fraternity.

We recently reached out to a few recent former Foot Locker South Finalists asd asked them what it meant to be a Foot Locker Finalist as 2 of Florida's runners, Karen Xiang and Tyler Bennett, make the trek out to compete at Foot Locker Nationals in San Diego this weekend. Here are some of their responses:

Grace Tinkey - FLCCC 09, 10, 11

Wow, I don't even know where to start :)!

Olivia Ortiz - FLCCC 10


It was incredible and truly an honor being a part of the South team and representing Florida at Foot Locker Nationals. The opportunity to compete with the top runners in the nation in beautiful San Diego was so much fun and a trip I will always remember and be thankful for. 

The friendships I made were so special and will be kept for a lifetime. The overall experience I will always look back on and cherish greatly. Over the years, I have kept in touch with the majority of the girls South team and we continue to encourage and support each other. Foot Locker was by far the best experience of my high school career. Best of luck to Karen and Tyler!

Kayla Hale - FLCCC 06, 07, 08

Even to this day, representing the South region at Balboa Park have been some of my favorite memories.

In high school, it's the ultimate and Foot Locker could not do a better job at making all the finalists feel like rockstars.

I was blessed to make so many friends around the country, but especially my South ladies. One of my favorite memories was my junior year when 4 of us were from the Sunshine State-- so much fun!

Good luck Karen and Tyler. Run fast, race tough, but most importantly take it all in. I promise, not matter how far you go in running, there is nothing quite like San Diego and being a Foot Locker Finalist!

Lily Williams - FLCCC 10

I would say that in hindsight, it was probably the closest thing to a collegiate race that I ever ran as a high schooler.

I think it really helped me gain some experience as far as competing in the middle of a pack is concerned, which is hard to come by for most of the competitors. Other than solely the running aspect, it was one of the best experiences I have ever had, just being able to go out to San Diego and meet a bunch of kids who liked to do the same stuff as me.

I keep in contact with many of them through facebook and see them at college races all the time, and even if we don't talk often we still share that common experience.

Making it there was the pinnacle of my high school cross country experience, especially after being so close and failing to make it to nike cross nationals the three years before. Congrats to all of the runners, no matter who was first or last.