Salute to Seniors | Christopher Strickland - Burlington City HS


Our last entry in the Salute to Seniors series!

Name: Christopher Strickland
School: Burlington City High School


What was your most memorable race/throw/jump/vault/moment?

My most memorable race had to have been the 1600M SMR at the Woodbury Relays in my Junior season April of 2015. Group 1, Heat 1, sun beaming, relay order of 4,2,2,8 and I'm the first 200M leg, but I'm handed the baton in the lead and manage to hold the lead after a battle down the backstretch. My team finished second in our heat for Silver in the SMR behind a talented Haddon Township with a strong anchor by Luke Petela. Our relay's time of 3:41.0 qualified us for New Balance Nationals Outdoor, and broke our previous school record. Both were goals we had been trying to accomplish for weeks that season. 

(Video of that race embedded below)


Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?

The clock of course and myself, I competed against myself and my mind a lot over my HS running career, because I would over analyze my races most of the time and psych myself out and just forget to actually run and enjoy it. A habit I began to break out of my senior season, but better late then never. Something I don't think I'll have to worry about in college, hopefully. Also, my own teammates in practices and those little dual meets, they really mattered in my development as a runner and a competitor, the time-trials and races for spots on a relay mattered and I'm grateful for that.


What was your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment thus far is due to Track and Field, in allowing me to continue my education and athletics through commitment at the next level in College, which is a major milestone for my family and I. This fall I will be the first in my immediate family dating back at least Three generations to attend a college/university. I find that amazing, because the first thing my outdoor Head Coach, Michael Davis, said was if I stick to it and apply effort, I'll have coaches knocking on my door. I'll never forget those words and he couldn't have been more right. Blessed to have done what I've done. 


If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?

If I could go back and do it all over, I would've got involved with T/F Freshman year instead of Sophomore year, and trained tougher throughout the years. Maybe taken up the XC for a couple of seasons to feel it out and grow that MD/Distance strength Coach always talked about. But most of all, TAKE CARE of my Body. Icing and stretching before and after practice, and meets, and etc. That would've been the major key. Also to just race and enjoy the ability to run and compete and not always over analyze everything. 


What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?

Mid way through my Junior season in Early-May of 2015 at my Divisional Championships, after a couple of tough races I was unable to gather the strength and walk, and was soon after diagnosed with a severe Stress Fracture to my left Tibia that would sideline me 6-8 weeks, prematurely ending my Junior season and ending my hopes at any Sectional/State title. With the team we had brewing and the times that were being produced we had high hopes at a high finish at the Section and possibly a State Relay title. And it's been hard to get over that, because I know I would've been able to help produce that all, but everything happens for a reason and God always has a plan.


What will you miss the most?

I'll miss the high school T/F atmosphere the most, because many of the athletes are hungry for that PR, that win, or that medal, and that pushes so many around you in race and out. But at the same time enjoying it all because it's only HS and the whole world isn't watching. When we get to college and the collegiate setting, things get a little more serious. Often you are brought in for a job to score at the Conference and or National level and that brings a bit of pressure that you're taught to handle. 


What advice would you give to younger athletes?

Enjoy the time you have in high school on and off the track or field or whatever you partake in, because it truly does fly by. Before you know it it's Junior/Senior year and you have a million things to do, combined with your athletics, for example SATs/ACTs, Prom, college signing day, and graduations. You'll then wish for the time back. But another major key is to take care of your body, because it WILL repay in that Sectional or State race, jump, or throw, or whatever. Your body will last you however long you need it to as long as you take care of it, ice, stretch and if you believe your injured don't be the hero and race it out. One race isn't worth your entire future career. Lastly, be open to learn, your Coaches know what they are talking about, you may not agree now, but in the future you will thank them. They aren't there to teach you anything wrong. 


What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?

All of my Coaches over my time in HS T/F have at one time or another put the clock on me in practice and or in meets and told me to push it out and finish no matter the outcome and that's something you learn to do and stick with. Coaches build more then just good athletes, they build good people, and that's something you can't thank them enough for. They aren't out there for themselves majority of the time, they are out they because they love the sport and they love to teach and Coach and grow people and better versions of themselves. 


What are your college plans?

Blessed to continue my academics and athletics as a Heptathlon/Decathlon specialist at the Indiana Institute of Technology (Indiana Tech) in Fort Wayne, IN. 8-time NAIA National Champions. #TheHunt #TechYeah I'll be studying for my Bachelors in Computer Science. 


Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?

I want to thank God foremost to allow me the opportunities to do it all, my coaches, Coach Davis, Coach Gurry, Coach G, my teammate and close friend Daveigh Brooks, all current and former teammates (Ryan Daniels, Cody Seay, and both Jon's) for pushing me at practice to better myself and for the funny memories. Willingboro Track Club. Of course, my Mom and Dad, and two brothers Danny and Michael for believing in me when I didn't believe in myself and always pushing me to do what I had to. Ms. Karen, MoMo and any other family member and friends that had any belief in me. Thank you. 


Is there anything else you'd like to add?

The famous quote that you'll always hear throughout life or have already heard is that, "you can do anything that you put your mind to," and that is the most accurate quote. You just have to believe in yourself and go get it, nothing is easy in life.