We present an extraordinary young man whom very few people in Belize know about, but he’s an international track star.
Running was not the fist love for Novian. He started running on the advice of his father and coach, while waiting to take another try for the high school basketball team after being cut. After experiencing some success running for the Dr. Philips High School in Orlando, Florida, where he was a student, Novian fell in love with the sport. Running turned out to be a good move, as he became a good middle distance runner. This eventually led to him being named several times Athlete of the Week in the Orlando local papers. He was also ranked one of the best middle distance runners in the State of Florida. He was also named District Metro and Regional Champion for the 800 meter, 1500 meter, Two Miles and Cross Country. He also placed top 3 in the mile for the State Championship, and 2nd for the 4×8 hundred meter for the State Championship. In his senior year at the Dr. Philips High School, he was named Most Valuable Athlete for the High School in 2010, and he left the school holding six track & field records.
Novian’s tract record led him to being offered scholarships from several universities. He accepted a full scholarship to the prestigious Morehouse University in Atlanta, Georgia, and in his first year at this institution, Morehouse University was again crowned Conference Champion, and Novian was named the Most Valuable Athlete.
Recently, Novian was invited by the Belize Amateur Athletic Association (BAAA) to represent Belize at the Junior Central American Tract and Field Championship games held in San Salvador in June, 2011. In this event, Novian captured the Gold in the 800 meter. He was also invited to participate in the Senior Central American Championship games in Costa Rica, but because of other commitments, he could not attend. He has however, committed to participate in the Junior Pan American Games to be held in Miramar, Florida, on July 24, 2011.
Novian is the eldest son of Dean & Julia Middleton, American Belizeans residing in Orlando, Florida, and brother of Julian and Jalen Middleton. He is also the grandson of Winston & Elaine Middleton of Belize, and the great grandson of Elstan Kerr, the 1st Holy Saturday (Bicycle) Cross Country Champion in Belize.
Belize has a lot of talent living here and internationally. We hope this story gives you an insight and at the same time educate you. Look forward to hear a lot more from this talented young man. I support him 100% and I know he will make Belize proud. I would like to say thanks to his family for making this article possible. Also, do not forget it’s the start of Unity Running Club Summer Program, staring this Monday, July 11.
Until next week, have a wonderful week.
(Ed. Note: We hope to have a report in the next issue on our other star athletes at the recent Games in San Salvador and Costa Rica. Our information from the BAAA so far is incomplete.)