On the Rise
Many people see student-athletes at competitions or hear their name over the intercom. You just see their achievements and hear their stories-but there;s so much more behind the scenes. Everyone’s story is different. Not every athlete PR’s or gets first place. Some days, it’s endless practice. Other days, it’s stepping off the track feeling like you’re on top of the world.
Track & Field is a sport that challenges your mind and pushes you to be the best version of yourself. And while you may not see what goes on in an athlete's daily life, you can get a glimpse into the grind, resilience, and passion it takes through one runner's story.
Mark Cash, now in his third season of Track & Field, is an example of how no two paths to success are the same. Currently ranked top thirty in his region for the 400-meter hurdles, Mark has built his achievements on more than just natural talent—he has balanced a full life of academics, training, and personal goals to get there.
A typical day for Mark starts with school, then straight to practice until 4:30 PM. After training, it’s a quick shower, dinner, homework, and maybe some time to relax and play games before bed at 8 or 9 PM. It’s a typical schedule, but it allows him to give his all in every area of his life.
Even with structure, challenges come. Mark faced a major slump in his recent jumping event, the triple jump. Despite having a personal record of 12.26 meters, he struggled to hit those numbers this year—falling back to around 11 meters. But rather than letting the setback define him, Mark stayed patient and trusted the process. At the Lakeland City Championship, his hard work paid off when he jumped close to his PR again.
“I found myself rushing to hit unthinkable goals instead of taking things step by step,” he says. His rituals are just as unique as his path.
Before a race, Mark listens to calm music to ease his nerves. It’s not about getting hyped—it’s about getting centered. It’s a quiet moment in a sport that demands both mental and physical intensity.
But Mark is more than just an athlete. Off the track, he’s a good cook and a dependable teammate. Friends describe him as someone who brings balance and warmth to their lives—someone whose drive inspires others.
As fellow athlete Jah’son McCalla puts it: “Outside of the field, he’s a wholesome person and cares for the people he’s around. He brings great vibes every day. Overall, he’s a great person.”
Family, friends, and coaches fuel Mark’s motivation. “I have expectations to meet, and I can’t fail them—or myself,” he shares. That mindset has led him to major accomplishments: he is in the top 10 all-time in the 400-meter hurdles. He was also in the top 10 (6th) all time triple jump in his sophomore year. His personal records—1:03:59 in the 400H and 12.26 meters in triple jump—stand as proof of his hard work.
Looking ahead, Mark dreams big. He plans to run Division I track at a top school like UGA, FSU, or University of Florida. He also hopes to pursue nursing and eventually become a doctor.
“If you really have a goal, you’ll work hard enough to reach it,” Mark says. And that’s the core of every athlete’s journey—not the medals or rankings, but the persistence behind the scenes.
Track & Field isn’t just about results. It’s about repetition, resilience, and the rush of improvement. Some days, athletes leave the track feeling defeated. Other days, they walk off feeling unstoppable. But no matter the result, each athlete walks their own road—and Mark is a great example of that.