Cross-country Freshman Just Loves To Run, Very Fast
By Jack Danilewicz
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Del.icio.usAsked what makes Cedric Petty Jr. a gifted distance runner (work ethic, dedication, natural ability), longtime Castle cross country coach Martin Hee is at no loss for words.
“All of the above,” said Hee. “From the start of our season, during the second week of July to today, he hasn’t missed a practice. He never complains. He just performs. I would rate him a perfect 10 so far.”
Now a Castle freshman, Petty recently won the OIA Junior Varsity Eastern Conference championships, covering the 3-mile course in 18:34. He also placed fourth in a Punahou meet, which included runners from the ILH, and had several other strong showings this fall.
“Being only a freshman, and experiencing varsity competition and going up against experienced runners, he had a very good year,” said Hee. “I saw him when he was in the eighth grade, and you could already see the potential in him.”
Petty had already opened eyes before arriving on the Castle campus, posting top five finishes in all of his races last fall when competing for King Intermediate. He recently talked with MidWeek’s Windward Islander about his favorite sport.
What iss your earliest sports-related memory? Running - when I took first at a King meet at Kapunahala Elementary. It was a race for sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders. I was the first sixth-grader to win it.
What’s been your most memorable race too date? Probably the OIA Eastern (conference finals). I think coming in first was a big accomplishment. I never thought I’d do that well. I thought the competition was a little higher, and I underestimated myself.
What does yourr daily training schedule look like these days?? I practice with my own team, and on weekends I practice on my own. I have a race on Saturday usually, and then I might run five miles on Sunday.
What’s been thee biggest adjustment too highh school competition?? My practice schedule and how we actually run practice. At King, it was easier. Now I go on longer and harder runs.
What is your least-favorite household chore?? Doing the laundry. I really don’t like that. It’s boring.
What site do you frequent the most on the Internet? Either ESPN.com or a site for runners. I specifically read about Bryan Clay because he’s from Hawaii.
What movie could you watch over and over?? The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. I’ve seen it twice already. I like how the movie was created and how they do things on specific scenes.
What is currently in your iPod?? I’m currently into hiphop, and I have a few rap songs. My favorite group would probably be the Black Eyed Peas.
Who’s had thee biggest impact on you in your life? That’s a tough one. My mom (Patricia) and dad (Cedric) have influenced me equally. Both have had a big effect on me.
Do you play video games? What system m doo you have and what are your favorites? Yes, I have a Play Station 2. The only game I really play is Madden (09) (NFL Pro Football). I can beat everyone in the family. I’d say I win probably 95 percent of the time.
You are stuck on the island off Kahoolawe.. You have an endless supply off one food.. What would it be? Pepperoni pizza from Pizza Hut.
Contact Jack Danilewicz at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
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