Despite battling adversity because of injuries throughout his senior season, Owensboro’s Reece Caroll was able to put together a strong season to become the Owensboro Times 2022 Boys Track Player of the Year.
“It means a lot to receive this honor,” Carroll said. “Although it’s bittersweet to be leaving high school to go compete at the collegiate level, it feels good to still be remembered after my senior season is over.”
Caroll had a dominant indoor season, finishing in the 400-meter dash with a time of 50.62 and a fifth-place finish in the 200-meter dash with a time of 22.73. He then was injured, but was able to battle through to help Owensboro finish sixth in the 4×200 meter relay (1.29.84) alongside Dartex Basham, King Combest, Eli Early and Xander Early and 11th in the 4×100 (44.23) alongside Xander Early, Javius Taylor, Khalil Rogers.
Initially, Carroll wanted to run 47 seconds in the 400 and based off of his junior season times, it was possible. He was feeling confident after his indoor season, but then he got injured and was only able to run 50 by the end of the season.
While he didn’t reach his main goal Carroll was able to show resiliency and it was a huge part of his success, as he was able to stay locked in and produce for the Red Devils all year long as a runner and leader. And of course, it helped him catch the eye of the Indiana University coaching staff.
“My ability to stay with the sport during the hard times has definitely allowed me to continue my success,” Carroll said. “Although I had my ups and downs during the season, I was still able to commit to a high level Division I college. And that’s because I put in the work to recover my body and have hope when my situation seemed hopeless.”
With the tough mentality he maintained over the years with Owensboro, Reece said he credits a personal coach for helping have it in the first place and what has allowed him the opportunity to compete collegiately with the Hoosiers.
“My Coach O’Brien has 100% turned me into the athlete I am today,” Carroll said. “I’ve developed his mindset to put in the hard work on and off of the track.”
While the competitor in Carroll had him a little upset with his efforts at state given the expectations he had for himself, he’s thrilled to get to the next level with the Indiana Hoosiers and compete amongst the best the country has to offer collegiately.
“I’m looking most forward to the elevated competition level not only in competition, but in practice too,” Carroll said. “As well as the advanced recovery facilities they have. It makes it so much easier not to get injured.”
