I met Coach Woods my sophomore year in high school as a member of his USATF Jets summer track and field team. I was running the 400 meters in the 51 second range. Training with the assistance of Coach Woods, my senior year I set my high school 200 and 400 meter records and the State 5A record in the 400 meters during the State Track and Field Meet.

Again, following junior college, I trained in the fall with Coach Woods before enrolling at mid-semester, at a NCAA D-1 university, on a track scholarship. Seven weeks later I was running the anchor leg on the third fastest 4 x 400 relay team at the Big 12 Indoor Track and Field Championships. In my senior year, I also had the fastest indoor 600 yd qualifying time before the Big 12 Indoor Track and Field Championships. His oldest son J.D. was my best friend and Coach has been my mentor, a trusted best friend and with me every step of the way!