ROCKINGHAM — Recording his fastest time of the season on a day dedicated to seniors, a member of the Richmond Senior High School boys’ cross country team is the Official Richmond County Male Student-Athlete of the Week.
The Richmond Observer’s weekly feature series, presented by Mabry’s Drug & Home Care, recognizes senior runner Luke Gilliam in this week’s edition.
Running in a Mid-South Conference meet at Hinson Lake last Thursday, Gilliam set a season-best time on senior day. He, along with four other teammates, were celebrated before the three-mile race.
As his senior season nears completion, Gilliam earned his first career recognition.
Athletic Profile: Luke Gilliam
Year: Senior
Fall sport: Cross Country
Varsity experience: 3 Seasons
“CLASSROOM CREDITS” WITH LUKE GILLIAM
As his senior year at Richmond nears the quarter-way point, Gilliam is busy balancing the cross country season with a full courseload of classes.
Like Official Richmond County Female-Student Athlete of the Week Kenley Smith, Gilliam is part of the school’s dual enrollment program with Richmond Community College.
This fall, he’s taking two classes at RichmondCC — Sociology 201 and Mathematics 271 — and two additional classes at Richmond — Economics and Personal Finance Honors and Automotive Service I. Currently, Gilliam has As in both of his classes at the high school.
Boasting a 4.00 weighted grade point average, Gilliam plans to attend UNC Charlotte after graduation. He wants to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.
“FAST TRACK” WITH LUKE GILLIAM
Hosting Hoke County and Jack Britt high schools at Hinson Lake, the Raiders finished third in the MSC meet with 85 points.
In addition to his celebration on senior day, Gilliam posted a season-fastest time in the three-mile race. He clocked in with a final time of 28:36.25, which was 43 seconds faster than his fastest time from last season (29:19.00).
With a couple of more meets left this season, Gilliam will try to chase down and set a new personal record time. His current PR is 27:18.00, which he set at Scotland High School during his sophomore season.
The Richmond cross country teams will run in their final regular-season meet Thursday at Pinecrest High School. Overhills High School will also compete and the first race will start at 4 p.m.
“RAPID RESPONSE” VIDEO WITH LUKE GILLIAM
The Richmond Observer will publish two more Official Richmond County Student-Athletes of the Week next week.
