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As the 2024-2025 academic season gets underway, we at Milesplit Arkansas want to take the time recognize our seniors who have given so much to our wonderful sport and feature them on our site.
Today, we have John Wofford, a senior from Conway High School to continue our 2024-2025 Senior Spotlights!
Thank you John for taking the time to answer some questions for the website! For those interested in participating in this year's senior spotlight, please check out this article!
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1) Where are you from and when did you first start running?
I am from Conway, Arkansas and attend Conway High School. I first began running in 3rd grade when my elementary school started an after school running program.
2) So far in your high school career, what is the most memorable running memory that you have?
The most memorable moment I've had running was last May in the Meet of Champs when our 4x800 team ran a 8:07 which was the 2nd fastest time in Conway High history.
3) What has been the most difficult workout you've run during your running career?
When I was a sophomore we did a track workout that consisted of 12x400 at a fast pace. At the time I didn't have great speed so I was definitely challenged that day, and I got much better from it.
4) Who are some of your greatest competitors you have raced throughout your career?
Throughout my track and cross country career I would say my biggest competitor was Hez Morris who recently graduated from Cabot. Back in Junior High, I would say Jack Landrum from Bryant. We would always battle it out in the mile and 800 in the junior high track days.
5) What were some of the most difficult obstacles that you have faced during your career?
The most difficult obstacle was when I had a stress fracture in my foot in 9th grade. I was coming off a win in the mile at the Vilonia meet, but then me and my best friend decided to go run 15 miles for his birthday. I ended up overdoing it which resulted in a stress fracture in my right foot. This kept me out for 6-8 weeks, so I was late on summer training which affected how I performed my sophomore cross country season.
6) What will you miss most about high school running?
I will miss all of my teammates past and present and all of the friendships I have made over the last 5 years-those will certainly be hard to let go of.
7) What advice would you give to a rising freshman competing in their first high school season in 2024/2025?
You just have to go out there and give it 100% every race. You are going to have to work hard, and it's definitely gonna suck sometimes. I know that from personal experience. Not taking long breaks from running and staying on a good schedule will benefit you a lot if you ant to have a successful cross country season.
8) Who are some people you would like to thank for your success in high school?
I want to thank my coaches throughout high school: Coach Worlow, Coach Kennedy, Coach Harrell, volunteer Coach Pearson, and my trainer Josh Epps. They all have taught me that you can't have success without putting in hard work. They have also helped me to believe in myself, and I wouldn't be where I am today without them. I also want to thank my parents for coming to every cross country and track meet and the crazy amount of pairs of shoes and spikes they have purchased. They have also believed in me every step of the way dating back to when I first began running.
9) XC or Track?
For the last few years I would usually say cross country, but during last track season I discovered I had a hidden talent for the 800, so currently I enjoy track more. Overall though I would say cross country because you only have one race that you can go all out in and not have to worry about a later race.
10) Hobbies outside of running:
I enjoy hanging out with my friends and going to Arkansas football games on the weekends, as well as going to the beach every summer.
11) Favorite sports team:
I am a huge Arkansas Razorbacks fan for any of the U of A's college sports. For NFL, I am a Dallas Cowboys fan.
12) Who is your role model?
My dad has always been a role model to me as he has competed in many races over the years, and it has inspired me to keep working hard and keep a competitive edge.
13) Favorite Movie:
The Blindside
14) Favorite Song/Artist/Music:
Favorite Song: Welcome to the Show by Cody Johnson; Favorite Artist: Morgan Wallen; Favorite Music: Country
15) If you could have one super power, what would it be and why:
I would want to be able to teleport so I could go anywhere in the world that I felt like traveling.
