Sam Gilman Talks Goals and Guts


Can you walk us through your summer training, mileage, etc.?
My summer training was very basic. High mileage with low intensity. I can't give you anymore. I am a magician, what good would I be without my tricks??

Individual state rankings | Team rankings | SCTCCCA poll


Why did you choosing running over other sports?
I chose running because I believe it is one of the most physically and mentally challenging sports.

What other sports do you play?
I like to sauce kids up on the basketball court like my man Kyrie.

What are your goals for this upcoming cross country season?
My goals are to lead Hilton Head to yet another cross country state championship the way my brother has done so well these past few years. I also believe I have what it takes to make it to Foot Locker Nationals this year.

How would you rate your win this weekend at Providence? Where do you feel it puts you for the rest of the season? 
My race at Providence was a big confidence booster. I was not expecting to win but after we went through the first mile at 5:10 I knew I had the race in the bag. I know that not many people can hang with my track speed. With that in mind I pushed it the last mile and really impressed myself with what I could do. This time puts me at a very good starting place for the season. I am confident I can run much faster with higher stakes.




What's are your goals for this upcoming track season?
I have not put much thought into the upcoming track season. Again I would like to lead Hilton Head to yet another track state championship. I'm also going to get my mile time at least under 4:10.

What's it like trying to follow in the footsteps of your brother?
Trying to be faster than my older brother is what motivates me everyday. He is the reason I work so hard. He has taught me how to work hard. One day I hope to accomplish all that he has in his high school career.

How do you look at what you have achieved? 
I believe I want to win more than my competitors do. I don't believe anyone has more guts to be great than I do. But I can't thank my coaches enough for the success I have. I have some of the best coaches in the country and the whole state knows it.

What will we see from the Hilton Head boys this year?
Like I said above we are going to bring home another state championship.

How do you focus training to achieve team goals and work towards making Foot Locker Nationals? 
I have had the dream of making it to Foot Locker Nationals since I've been in sixth grade. This year I will not let anything stop me from achieving this goal. In my training I've kept this goal in my mind for at least a year now and I feel I am ready to achieve that this goal. Team wise I don't have to do much. We have the hardest working team that I've ever seen. Everyone wants a spot this year. Everyone is starving for another state championship.

Who is your role model?
My father and my coaches.

What is your favorite quote?
"To die young a legend? Or live a long life unfulfilled?"