Photo by Howard Anderson
Today, we salute Jonathan Plass of Germantown Friends. Plass just capped off a strong career for GFS, which included an open 800 meter PR of 1:53.89. Plass was also apart of a number of successful Tigers' relays, including the national championship winning DMR from New Balance Nationals Outdoor.
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What was your most memorable race/competition?
My most memorable race was the 800 at the 12th Annual Hoka One One Henderson Invitational. It was not my biggest accomplishment, I did win, but what made it special was environment and the people. This meet encompases is why I love track. The meet was at Henderson high school in West Chester, it was understated, calm , and fast. In addition to the atmosphere that day it felt like the whole team was behind me and that I was just an extension of the team racing for everyone.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
I would say the race the team was most nervous for was the Penn Relays DMR COA this year. We knew a team that had beaten us previously was there and a team had flown from the other side of the country to race. This was particularly hard mentally because the goal was to win and confidence was not at a high.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
I feel like I should say winning the DMR at NBNO this year, however, I think the most memorable would be the first time I and two of my teammates went All American. We didn't win, but we set a huge school record and three of four people on the relay ran huge personal bests. The feeling of fighting and hanging on just enough to achieve your dream was incredible.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
Run freshman year, sleep more sophomore year.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Getting the DMR spot from two of my teammates. When I started running there were two boys ahead of me for the 800 spot and we all wanted it. Figthing for two whole season to get a spot too race brought the best out of all three of us and is a struggle I hope to get back to in college.
Photo by Nolan Jez
What will you miss the most?
The boys, the girls, the coaches, and last but not least the long van rides. The people, the trips, those are the memories without them you would be pushing yourself in a vacuum and we know that doesn't work.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Only do run if it is fun. If you ever think you don't like training or you don't want to be fast enough to sacrifice time, don't run. You will only disappoint yourself which is one of the worst feeling ever. Be committed or be out, it's pretty simple.
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?
Well my first coach inspired me too come out for the team and made me think I could do something great. My last coach took me through my last year. He worked with me through the end of high school and the peak of my high school running career. Both have influenced me in different ways, but one thing they both instilled in me was to be commited and chase what ever dream you really care about.
What are your post-high school plans?
I will be attending and competing for the Cornell Track & Field team in the winter and spring with track training in the summer and fall.
Shout-Outs?
Rob Hewitt, if you know him this is a no brainer.
Conrad Haber, thanks for the Frosty Flakes.
They boys and girls team of Germantown Friends Highschool.