By Ike House
Track is not staple in Panola county but it is a foundation for senior runner Chris Felix. He has been consistent with his determination and hard-work as he has been to the biggest stage three years straight.
“It feels good making it to state for the third consecutive year,” Felix said, “and all that is telling me is that all my hard work and preparation is paying off and I am getting better as a runner.”
This year will be different from last year as he has a different race on his hands. He will be running two races instead of one. Last year he participated in the 110 meter hurdles. This year he is competing in the 100 and 200 meter dashes.
“My approach for all my races are the same which is being the first one out the blocks and continuing to get faster,” Felix said, “so there is no difference in my approach.”
Felix will be shooting for gold and first place which will give him a state title along side with his name. He will be attempting to win against some of the fastest the state has to offer and it will be no small feat. Last year he came close coming in second by only tenths of a second.
“Last year I wasn’t expected to make it in the top three but with God on my side I surprised a lot of people,” Felix said, “so knowing that I have Him on my side, motivates me to give it 100 percent every race because anything can happen.”
Last year Felix was the lone trackster for the Tigers. Now he will be joined by sophomore Nick Porter who will be running the 300 meter hurdles.
“Last year I was the only person from South Panola and having Nick there tells me that we as a team are progressing,” Felix said.
This will be Felix’s last time running as a Tiger and he looks to do everything he can to be able to push himself and carry the Tiger name on his back. He said that these fouryears have been quick but he also enjoyed them.
“The four years running at South Panola helped me grow as a person because I went through multiple coaches in my four years,” Felix said, “I also had seniors tell me that you got to be confident and sometimes cocky in order to succeed at the track meets.”
He also will be leaving a mark on South Panola as he has traveled to the state meet and each time obtaining a higher level of achievement.
“With me constantly going to state hopefully has an impact on the up and coming runners at South Panola,” Felix said, “because hard work and dedication can take you a long way.”
Felix said that no matter will what happens at this meet he further his education and career with track but he has not made a decision on where he wants to go to run.
“After this meet I plan to run track for a college team but I don’t know what college I will choose,” Felix said “but wherever I go I will continue to work hard and help them win.”
Felix and Porter will run today with the meet beginning at 11 a.m. in Pearl.