For Wildwood Middle High senior Damian Spurrier, cross country has been more than just a sport, it’s been a journey of self-discovery, shaping him both mentally and physically.

Damian was introduced to running by Emory and Jessie Strickland, two former Wildwood standouts who inspired him to get into the sport of cross country.

“Jessie helped me a lot when it came to working hard and knowing I had to challenge myself,” Damian says. “Emory was my goal to beat for the longest time. He was the top runner for Wildwood and I wanted to be just like him and make a name for myself.”

That motivation paid off in one of Damien’s most memorable races, a breakthrough performance at the FSU State Championships, where he ran a 16:14 and finished eighth overall.

“It was a great feeling to put all the e

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