Give us a little background about how you discovered the sport.
Growing up with two older brothers has made me a very competitive athlete who played all sports. Playing football, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, golf, basketball. One thing most of these sports have in common is that they all involve running. I was always fast when I was younger, but to be honest I hated running. I especially disliked it as punishment at the end of practices. After a soccer game was cancelled when I was in 8th grade, the XC coach at our school asked me to join the XC team in a race that afternoon. Without really knowing what I was doing, I was able to easily win the race that day. When I started high school at Shaker, I ran Indoor and Outdoor Track while playing soccer during my freshman and sophomore years. Last year I made the switch to cross country, one of the best decisions of my life.
Last year went very well for both you as well as the entire Shaker team. The Shaker Bison won their first State Meet in school history. Describe how that felt, and how that is influencing your final season.
The feeling that day is something I will never forget in my life. Most importantly, winning a state title for our coach has changed my entire outlook on the sport of cross country. To this day, I still have the image in my head of my teammates, coaches, and all the parents who came to support us. It is indescribable. I was fortunate enough to be a rookie and be a part of a team that earned a state title. Going into this season I want nothing less for myself and our team.
Individually, you ran well at both Feds and States, placing 8th and 6th respectively. More importantly, you were the fastest non-graduate in each race, making you one of the state’s top returners. How does this pressure weigh in on how you are training now, preparing for the upcoming season?
Honestly, I have not felt much pressure going into the season. Coming into the season as one of the top returning XC runners in NY State is a great feeling, but what really matters is how I perform this year. I have great teammates and we depend on and support each other. Last year’s experience has helped me to realize how important each and every day is. I hate to let anyone down and I know many people out there are counting on me. This inspires me and makes me work even harder.
At last year’s State Championships, you ran most of the race close to teammate Michael Libruk. Do you find pack running to work for your team, or do you execute your own race?
In the State Championship race, it was more coincidence that Mike and I ran so close together. One of our team’s strengths is running as a pack because we have so many strong runners at Shaker. As a half miler on the track, I personally prefer to hang back and use my kick at the end of a race.
How has your summer training been going? Have you had one workout that has really stood out to you, that made you realize what competitive level you are now at?
Last year was my first time running all three seasons so I took about a month off after Outdoor Nationals before I began my summer training. I have now been training for several weeks and steadily building my mileage. I feel much stronger and more powerful than I did last year in August. After last year, I understand how long the season can be. I work with my coaches on getting stronger as we move toward the big championship races late in the season. Our summer workouts have not started yet, so I have just been enjoying long easy runs. I also love to get in the weight room and do core work.
Last Spring, you ran a very impressive 1:51.45 split at New Balance Outdoor Nationals. How do you plan to work that quick speed into your Cross Country racing?
I have always been very blessed with speed. I used it to my advantage last year and plan to build upon those experiences this year. I always identify where the last half-mile is for each race. I know that with my heart and speed I can compete with anyone in the last half mile.
As a senior, where have you been looking at for College? Is there a specific region of the country you are looking at?
The college recruiting process is a long, but exciting time. At this point I have kept all of my options open and really have just enjoyed talking with coaches and considering different schools and regions throughout the country. I’m trying not to be distracted by the college selection process, because I want to focus on our team and improving our end of season results.