In an interview with Prep Sports Webb City athlete Andrew Dawson spoke candidly of his life.
VYPE: What are your personal goals for the year?
My goals for this year are all-district, all-conference, and top 50 at the state meet. I would also like to run 16:10 by the end of the season for the 5k. I also would like to be a better Christian and role model for others.
VYPE: What is the most fun you have had in the last year?
The most fun I’ve had this last year was at SWMO Running Camp. The experiences that I had and the lessons that I learned, combined with the community I was surrounded by, made it a great week. The people I met left a lasting impression on me on how to be a better person and runner but most importantly, how to be a better follower of Christ.
VYPE: Who is your favorite teacher from any grade, and why?
My favorite teacher is probably Mr. Derryberry (The younger one) because he brought so much energy to class every day, making his class so much fun and exhilarating.
VYPE: What is your favorite athletic memory?
My favorite athletic memory came from State XC last year. Even though we didn’t come away with a trophy or anything, it was a super fun weekend. My favorite recent memory has to be a workout where we were all running badly, but when we came together, yet even though we ran poorly, we ran together, which is always better than being apart.
VYPE: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why?
The teammate that has left the biggest impression on me is Evan Stevens. Not because he’s the fastest on the team but because he’s a great person and an even better friend. He’s always challenging us to be better people and runners in a positive way.
VYPE: What is your favorite part of being on this team?
My favorite part about being on the Webb City XC team is how close-knit the team is. We can all joke around, but when it’s time to be serious. We get the job done. We fight for each other and not only for ourselves, and if one of us fails, then we all do. When one of us is struggling in life or our faith. We all can pick that person up and help each other out, making it one of the best teams I have ever been a part of.
VYPE: You can pick any place for a summer vacation. Where do you go, and who do you take with you?
If I got to pick any place to go for a summer vacation, I would go to the Florida Keys to go fishing. I have always wanted to go deep-sea fishing since I grew up fishing with my dad and my brothers.
VYPE: If we gave you $500 and you had to spend it in the next 24 hours, what would you spend it on?
If I had $500 to spend in the next 24 hours, I would get some Nike Vaporlfys for workouts on the track during the off-season, and if I had enough left, a new fishing pole.
VYPE: Do you participate in any community service projects?
The Community Service Projects that I participate in are helping with the Salvation Army during Christmas, outreach in and around my church, and helping feed the homeless with our church.
VYPE: What Clubs or Campus groups are you involved with and why?
The Clubs I am involved with in school are Band, XC, and Track. I chose band because I had to do it or choir. I knew I couldn’t sing, but since then, I’ve loved playing clarinet and occasionally playing the drums at church. For Cross Country and Track, it’s a different story. In P.E. class, we started every class by running around the gym for a bit in preparation for the pacer test. I always looked forward to the pacer test, unlike all the other kids, simply because I loved the competition and just running. Then, in 6th grade, we had to run the mile. I figured I might as well try to run as fast as I could because why not? I ran 6:30, and the next year, a couple of friends and I ran Cross Country and Track, and we turned out to be pretty good, and the rest is history.
VYPE: Are you involved in academic excellence activities such as the National Honor Society, Student Council, or other academic clubs?
I am involved in the gifted program, Student Council, and A+ Program. I am also working my way to an honors diploma. I’m also a part of a student leadership team in my church youth group.
