Eric Gibbons - A Salute


(Photo provided by Eric Gibbons)

What are all your high school PRs?

400m- 52
800m- 1:57.18
1600m- 4:35
5k- 16:37

How did you get started as a runner?
I got started running track in 7th grade and joined cross country my 8th grade year and I've ran ever since. 

What was your favorite or most-memorable competition?
My most memorable competition was racing at the state meet my freshman year in the 4x8. We were a tight-knit team and we always had a good time running together. 

Who have been your favorite competitors in your career?
My biggest competition throughout my career was my teammate Elijah Herrick and the Bemidji distance crew. It's been fun racing each other the last 4 years. 

What would you consider to be your greatest achievement?
My biggest accomplishment was qualifying for state cross country this past fall. I had missed it by 2 places my junior year and it was a goal I had been pushing towards for years. 

Is there anything about your running career you would change in hindsight?
I'm glad I can say I wouldn't change anything. My 4 years at Moorhead High School had ups and downs but they all taught me to be a better athlete and to stay positive. 


(Photo provided by Eric Gibbons)
Who have you coaches been a help to you?
My coaches have helped me grow up a lot through my years with them. They taught me how to race and how to be a better person. I couldn't have asked for a better coaching staff. 

What is the biggest obstacle you had had to face as an athlete?
My sophomore cross country season I had big PR the first meet of the season and 3 days afterwards I found out I had a stress fracture in my right foot. I was out for 7 weeks, cross training was mentally hard and it made me realize how much running meant to me. 

What are your going to miss most about high school track/XC?
The thing I'll miss most about my high school career is my team. We've grown extremely close over the past few years and we're more like a family now. It's a great atmosphere and it's great to have all of the support. 

What advice you you have for younger athletes?
To the younger athletes, put in the time and put in the work. It will pay off in the end and you will thank yourself for what you've done. 

What post-graduation plans do you have?
Next year I'm attending Minnesota State University-Moorhead to study Sports Medicine and run cross country and track. 

Is there anyone you would like to thank?
I would like to thank my coaches Tom Dooher, Jeremy Blake, and Erik Hanson. They've pushed me and helped me believe in myself to become the best athlete I can be. Thanks to my parents for endless support and to my teammates for being the best guys to train with. 
(Photo provided by Eric Gibbons)