Although she did not begin running competitively until enrolling at French camp as a freshman, Ami Sherrif has developed into one of the state premiere 1A runners. She finished third in the 800 at last year’s 1A track meet as a junior and was runner-up in cross country last fall.
“She’s a phenomenal leader and an incredibly hard worker,” said French Camp track and cross country coach Joe Watkins. “She has integrity and character to spare.”
Sherrif is a Memphis resident attending French Camp as a boarding student. She wanted to get away from the distractions of Memphis.
“It’s really dangerous here,” Sherrif said of Memphis. “I’d rather be safe and know I have people around me who want what’s best for me. I want to keep busy, keep myself out of trouble.”
It’s the mental side of running that appeals to Sherrif. “It’s self discipline. You have to choose to get out there and work hard. It’s like what can I do.? How I can make myself better?”
She has not made a college decision, but is strongly considering Belhaven in Jackson. At the collegiate level, she hopes to study nursing and of course continue running.
“Absolutely. As long as my legs don’t give up on me.”
