Nick Stenderowicz – Pennridge HS
What was your most memorable race/competition?
My most memorable race in my eyes was our 4x400 victory at the PTFCA Indoor State Championships. We had worked very hard all year to keep our PA #1 time and it was my last time running for Pennridge Indoor. I also feel this is my most memorable race because I ran anchor and my Coach Hosier had never had a 4x400 relay win the title.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
The biggest competition i face was probably at The New Balance Indoor Nationals. We ran a great time at States and we wanted to better that time so we ran against teams from different states and finished 2nd.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
I would say my 2nd place finish at Indoor Nationals. We were going in seeded third and nobody really heard of our small school. It was a big shocker that we took second.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
I would definitely listen to my coaches about doing distance workouts more to strengthen my endurance for that last 50 meters in the 400.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
In November of 2012 I was involved in a car accident, where I was hit by someone texting and driving that blew a red light. I had plastic surgery on my cheek and 100+ stitches in my cheek and lip. I was told to skip the Indoor season but I just physically couldn't.
What will you miss the most?
I will definitely miss hearing my former coach Mike Patrick yelling move when it was time to kick it in. Every time I heard him yelling that word I knew i had to kick because I was being caught or going too slow.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Listen to your coaches about your workouts. They may be hard but they will definitely make you a better runner. Also show good Sportsmanship towards all your competition, it always helps and shows you're not cocky or self absorbed or a poor sport.
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?
Yes they have in fact, they have pushed me to run faster in the races and perform to my maximum ability. Most of all they believed in me that I can do it if I set my mind to it.
What are your college plans?
I am attending IUP to run and pursue a career in Physical Therapy.
Shout-Outs?
I have to give a shout-out to Bob Hosier and Mike Patrick. They have believed in me since the first day I started running for them and led me to be the athlete and runner I am today.
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