PA Salute to Seniors: Austin Gallagher - Marple Newtown HS
What was your most memorable race/competition?
That had to be the 4x400m relay at the Penn Relays my senior year. We achieved a personal record, taking 5th in the Central League. It is an incredible atmosphere down there and I am so honored to have had the privilege of competing there.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
My entire track career has been filled with aggressive competition from various athletes in the Central League and Delaware County. The biggest competition I faced was at the indoor Meet of Champions during the 400m dash. After a while, you start to get used to the same guys at each and every meet and you start to develop an understanding of what they're all about.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
Being chosen to run in the All Star 4x400m relay at halftime of the 2013 Delco Hero Bowl was a major accomplishment for me. It was crazy because you come together and run one last relay with the athletes you competed against your whole high school track career. I was assigned a relay team with runners I had run in the same heat as before at invitational meets throughout the season, and it was a good feeling to know they were on my team.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
I would have approached my sophomore year more seriously. I did not run track until my sophomore year and only started for the social aspect. I got thrown in an open 400m at Central League Championships and ran a decent time and realized what my potential could be.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
At times, I had a hard time balancing my work schedule with my track schedule. My coach, Coach Clarke, was very flexible and willing to work with me and we figured out a solution to the problem. I was lucky enough to escape my track career unscathed from injuries which seemed to commonly effect our team.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss the long bus rides to and from Lehigh University for an indoor meet, the feeling after you run a personal best, and most importantly, my teammates.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
It all depends how badly you want it. If you want it bad enough, go get it. Keep your head screwed on straight, stay focused, and help each other.
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?
Coach Clarke, Coach Williams, and Coach Furst have helped me achieve my fullest potential. Coach Furst always has something new for our team to try out, whether it be a new workout, stretch, or yoga routine, believe it or not. Coach Williams always stands near pole vault and never fails to give me a running tip while I am running by at a meet. Our head coach, Coach Clarke, has served as a role model to our team for as long as I've been here. He is always helping us improve and move closer to our goals, all while making sure we stay out of detention and keep a pretty foot GPA.
What are your college plans?
I am attending Kutztown University this fall as a criminal justice major. I am going to try and walk on the track team and see how it goes.
Shout-Outs?
I want to say good luck to my fellow senior captains, Colin Vannicolo, Evan Adrian, and Mike Salvato. Good luck to Colin at West Chester University this fall, where he has hopes of walking on the team. Good luck to the captains next year, Matt Moore and James Hare. You can get states, I'm not worried. Can't forget about the underclassmen - their potential is grand and I wish them nothing but the best.
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