By Emma Byard, Staff Writer

Starting out high school, senior Joseph Davidson did not expect to have to give up one of his favorite sports: baseball. After blowing out his arm pitching, Davidson decided that the best thing for him was to fulfill a new activity during the spring. He was soon introduced to track and field. 

Running has led to a wide array of opportunities for Davidson, including being recruited by colleges. One college in specific peaked his interest, and that was the University of Tampa. 

“I like the area, it is really close to the beach, and it has a huge city atmosphere… also, I have family there,” Davidson said. 

Although Davidson had only ran since his freshman year, his significant and rapid improvement allowed him the opportunity to run at this Division II university.  

“Basically, I couldn’t imagine not being committed to a sport. I wouldn’t know what to do with my free time. It is just for fun, and I like the competitiveness of running,” Davidson said. 

Although he was set on his decision to run at Tampa, many others disagreed with his choice after receiving interest from a more familiar school, the University of North Carolina Wilmington. 

“I was hype about getting interest from UNCW because it was a pretty big in state school so I was caught up in that, but I really would rather go somewhere I actually want to spend the next however many years at,” Davidson said.  

The final decision was made very last minute according to Davidson but, he was also offered a scholarship to run for this school, which helped justify his choice. This scholarship was not set in stone either – until coronavirus came into the picture. His spring races could have doubled the amount of money Davidson was offered.  

His fast times could be huge asset to the Tampa Spartans when he joins the team this coming fall.

“I just want to be on the traveling team. I don’t really know what to expect, or how it goes down there, but I want to help them win.”

Getting involved in cross country and track may not have been a first choice, but the outcome that the sport has provided have been incredible for Davidson. 

“Running has made me so much stronger mentally with everything I do. I always know that things can’t be worse than the pain you are going through in that moment of running,” Davidson said. “Through running I have gained so many painful lessons and that you need to put in countless hours of work for what you want to achieve.” 

Senior Emma Byard can be reached at byardem0329@daretolearn.org.