Photo by Art Drescher
Today, we salute Cheltenham's Antonio Mosquera. Mosquera finished up a successful career in the hurdles, coming away with PRs of 15.46 in the 110 meter hurdles and 8.94 in the 60 meter hurdles.
------------
What was your most memorable race/competition?
My most memorable race was the 110m hurdle final at this year's SOL American Conference Championship. Winning the league title had been one of my biggest goals for a long time and I finally achieved it with a season PR.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
I faced my biggest competition at the 52nd TFCAofGP Indoor Meet of Champions, where the hurdle field was stacked with some of the state's top competitors.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
The achievement that stands out the most would be qualifying for the 2017 District One Championship in both a relay and individual event because I trained arduously to improve my times and hit the qualifying standards.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
I would be more aggressive in certain races throughout my track career.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
My most difficult obstacles included maintaining three steps between the hurdles, getting out of the blocks quickly and mentally preparing myself for a competitive race.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss all the fun times spent with my teammates on bus rides to and from meets.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Work hard towards your goals and you can achieve anything!
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?
My coaches have always had a positive influence on my performances by trusting me to execute in races that were necessary for the team, whether it be in a dual meet or invitational. They also fixed and enhanced my sprint form and hurdle prowess. The confidence they instilled upon me helped in my academic achievement, leadership skills and especially the creation of my first feature-length documentary (The Come Up).
What are your post-high school plans?
Beginning this Fall, I plan on majoring in film at the Pennsylvania State University. I will also run for the university club track team this year and train to someday run for the varsity program.
Shout-Outs?
I would like to give a shout-out to Coach Beale, Coach Sexton, Coach Watson, Coach Wolff and the rest of the coaching staff of Cheltenham's Track and Field/ XC programs, for shaping me into the athlete I am today.
My parents also deserve a shout-out for supporting my athletic decisions.
Finally, this shout-out goes out to Andrew Crosby, Max Cavallucci, Will Griffen, Nate Louis,
Isaiah Watts, Asad Grant, Jean Codio, Kriss Marshall, Amahd Nixon, Darren Giles, Giovanni Williams, Jason Dunham and my other amazing teammates who have been a part of the journey.