Athlete of the Week: Daivion Thaler, Ponitz Career Technology Center

Name: Daivion Thaler

School: Ponitz

Grade: Incoming junior

Age: 16

Sports: Track & field

Claim to fame/honors: Competes in 1,500, 3,200, 2000 steeplechase and 4x800 relay; qualified for AAU Junior Olympics Nationals at Eastern Michigan University running for Dayton Wolverines Track Club; qualified for high school regionals with 4x800 relay team; carries a 3.8 grade-point average through sophomore year

Bet you didn’t know … this is my first year running summer track

Words you live by: If you have a lane, you have a chance

Toughest opponent: My mind; sometimes you can overthink a race or not be mentally prepared and you beat yourself up over it

Biggest influence: My coach James Crutcher and my teammate and best friend Aaron N. Dobbins

Meet-day rituals: Listen to music

What’s on your bedroom walls? Running medals, posters of my favorite football team, the Pittsburgh Steelers

When I’m bored I like to … play basketball with my friends or play games on my phone

Person who would play you in a movie: Mike Epps

Favorite TV show: Burn Notice

Favorite musical artist: J. Cole

I can’t live without: Water

I can live without: Negativity

Event you’d like to attend: A state track meet for indoor or outdoor

Favorite home-cooked meal: Fried chicken, mashed potatoes and corn

Favorite restaurant: Roosters

Favorite smell: Fresh air

Favorite cereal: Fruity Pebbles

Store where you’d like a shopping spree: Pacsun

I’d love to trade places for a day with … Usain Bolt

Whose mind would you like to read? My mom

Place where you’d love to travel? Africa

Talent you’d like to have? Drawing

Favorite school subject: Math

Favorite athlete: Myself

Favorite team: Pittsburgh Steelers

Favorite Olympic sport: Track & field

Something in the world I’d like to change: The President

Favorite sports moment: When my 4x800 relay qualified for regionals

Favorite junk food: Brownies

Best thing about track: Setting a personal record

In 10 years, I hope to be … graduated from college and starting my own practice as a nurse practitioner

Nominate an Athlete of the Week: Send an email to freelance writer Dave Lamb at d_lamb@msn.com. Please include the athlete's name, school, sport and a phone number or email address where we can reach that athlete. Please include Athlete of the Week in the subject line.

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