PA Salute To Seniors: Leah Patrick - Villa Joseph Marie HS
What was your most memorable race/competition?
My most memorable race was at Penn Relays, junior year. My team of Stephanie Hughes, Jane Lupica, Erin Keen and I won our 4x4 division and went home with a plaque. Receiving a high school medal at Penn Relays has always been a goal for me, and earning the 1st place plaque was something I have always dreamed of.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
Throughout each year of high school my biggest competition came from within my team. Freshman year I had to face my sister Megan Patrick, sophomore year I had to face my best friend Erin Keen, and junior and senior year I had to face the Lupica sisters and a teammate, Erin Durnin, that I have been running with since grade school. We make each other better and push each other in every practice or meet. I'm thankful for each of them.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
I am most proud of my 10 indoor and outdoor state medals. When I began freshman year I told myself I would become the Michael Phelps of my school, and have the record for the most state medals in any sport. Now as a senior I am very proud to say I have accomplished that!
Competiton photos courtesy of
Charles Stone and Patty Morgan
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
I played soccer up until junior year, but I wish I had taken the opportunity to run cross country instead. I think it would have been beneficial to have some more mileage.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
I am very happy to say that I went four years without any major injury. It was always difficult when a relay member was injured. This year in our 4x1 that was ranked second in the state, behind Swenson, our anchor leg Jane Lupica had to get a cast on her leg the week before Districts. We were all very upset, but then my teammate Gabby Falcon stepped up and we still ended up placing 3rd in the state!
What will you miss the most?
I will miss talking to my fellow competitors before and after races. There's something about people who run track, they are the friendliest and happiest people in the world. I will especially miss the girls I have been running with since CYO track. To Emma Keenan, Sara Sargent, Megan McCloskey, Jenn Horner, GOOD LUCK you will continue to be incredible and I will miss you all so much.
Leah w/ Emma Keenan and Sara Sargent at the 2013 PIAA State Championships
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Love every second of it. Sometimes track can be painful or even disappointing, but it helped high school be the best four years of my life. Four years really does go by very quickly so make the best of it!
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?
I can't thank my coaches enough for all of the time and effort they put in for us. My coaches Nick Zlupko and John Gentile have been there for me since my freshman year. They are more than just coaches to me, and I can never thank them enough for who they have helped me become and what I have been able to accomplish. My head coach, Cate Murway, is a very inspirational coach and keeps me positive towards everything. Villa track would not have been able to accomplish what we did without these three people.
What are your college plans?
After debating whether or not I wanted to run in college, I decided I wanted to have one last final season and make it the best I could. I could not have had a better last season. I will be going to Penn State this fall for advertising/public relations. The best part about our sport is that you can always run. All you need to do is put on a pair of sneakers, step outside, and go. I love track and will always remember it with the fondest memories.
Shout-Outs?
First, I would like to give a shout out to my parents and grade school coaches who taught me everything I need to know about track in second grade. Although they stopped officially being my coaches after eighth grade, they have never stopped helping me be the best I can be. Next I would like to give a shout out to my wonderful team. I am tearing up as I am writing this because I can't believe it is over. I love each and every one of you and I hope you continue to be your amazing selves. #hammertime. Congrats to the class of 2013! Good luck to everyone, and I will still be on PennTrack stalking everyone's stats!!
Leah and Gina Lupica at the 2013 League Champs
Want to be featured in our Salute To Seniors series? Drop me a line: don@penntrackxc.com and answer the questions below! And if you can, point us to a pic or two or include them with your email. Make sure you have the right to use it, please.