Name: Porter Whitworth
School: Grantsville
What was your most memorable race/throw/jump/vault/moment?
My most memorable race was probably the Medley relay at state my junior year. I got the baton in fourth and was able to chase everyone down to take state. Then, we were disqualified for an illegal hand-off. We were devastated. My coaches believed that it wasn't illegal so they contested it and it got overturned and we were crowned the state champions. It was just so many emotions in such a short amount of time. I loved sharing that win with my teammates, coaches, and community.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
I have had several great competitors that have really pushed me over the years. My teammate Seth Beckett pushed me on my team. Josh Oblad and Carson Belnap have pushed my in my county, Carson Wilkins has pushed me in my region, and Hayden Harward Has pushed me at state. Along with a lot of other really great runners, these guys have pushed and motivated me to try harder at all times.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment is signing with BYU. They are just such a crazy good team and I feel so honored to be associated with them.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
Nothing. I've definitely had lots of disappointing moments but I've done everything for a reason and I believe everything happens for a reason. As long as I see failures as a lesson learned then I don't feel like I've failed. I've learned a lot from my mistakes and failures so I don't think there's anything I would change.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
My junior year I got tripped the last 150 Meters at Footlocker West while in 10th place. Not qualifying for Nationals really mentally messed with me for a while. My senior year I was low on iron and it really messed with my season and I had to learn better. Honestly though the hardest thing has been losing my track season due to Covid-19. I'm just trying to stay positive and train as best I can.
What will you miss the most?
I'm probably going to miss my coach most. Coach Mourty is honestly such a legend and great guy. I look up to him a ton. Along with that I'm going to miss my teammates and all the fun bus rides and pasta parties. I'm just going to miss making all of those fun memories with so many great people.
What advice would you give to younger athletes?
Don't go vegan! But if you do, get lots of iron. Also, write down your goals every day and ponder them often. Make sure you're doing everything with a purpose in mind.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
My coach has not only taught me how to find a love for running, but for life in general. I honestly want to be him when I grow up. He has taught me to be kind to everyone regardless of who they are and to always be my best self.
What are your college plans?
I plan on running at BYU after serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?
I want to say thank you first to my Parents and family. They were the first people to believe and support me. I want to say thank you to all the guys that have pushed me over the years. I want to say thanks to Coach Allen for letting me train with Stansbury so much. I want to say thanks to my girlfriend for being more dedicated to running than me and for always encouraging me to do my best. I want to thank Coach Eyestone for believing in me and I can't wait to prove him right. Also to my community for being so awesome and supportive. I also want to thank God for my gifts and opportunists I have received.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Go Cougars!
