Junior and cross-country runner Daniel Huggins was named one of Beckham’s “Athletes of the Month,” along with Maggie Elliott. The Bengal Beat sat down exclusively with Huggins, better known by teammates as “Hugs.” While Hugs began his running career in the fifth-grade, it has really kicked off this year. All of the hard work and dedication he poured into the sport during his sophomore year at Beckham has paid off this season; his PR for a typical 5k course (3.1 miles) is currently set at 16:07 minutes and his mile record is 4:40; his 800 record is 2:00. To give some perspective, a prospective Division 1 collegiate level runner typically runs sub 4:10 in a 5k. Hugs is definitely interested in running in college, preferably for whichever program offers him the largest scholarship. Anyone who has seen Hugs practice and race knows how passionate he is about the sport. When asked how he endures the pain that accompanies every race, he said that “you have to focus on what your goal is and what you want to accomplish, and tune everything else out.” Hugs’ biggest inspiration is Nick Symmonds, two-time Olympian. If you see Hugs in the hallway this week, wish him good luck for the regional meet this Saturday, Oct. 28 in Hardeeville.
