Future Stars Spotlight: Avery Dominick

How did you first get started running and why?

I first got started running with the recommendation of my mom, who was also a former runner. As a kid, I always loved to get out and race my friends- enjoying nice competition and a challenge. My mom knew I loved to run, so I joined a track club that she coached when I was 7 years old and I found my passion from an early age!

What were your personal records heading into high school?

Coming into high school I was able to get my 1600m and 3200m down significantly as a freshman. I hit 4:32 in the Mile, and 9:35 in the 3200m in 9th grade. My cross country pr as a freshman was 16:19, which I ran at Footlocker!

You’ve made a big jump in your sophomore year. Did you increase your training/mileage this summer/did you do anything different in preparation for your sophomore cross country season?

I've been very fortunate to have progressed so much this season. I definitely upped my edge and milage over the summer running big weekly milage, and focusing mainly on building a stronger base. To prepare, I trained smarter with more consistency.

You’ve won your last five races. How confident are you heading into the South Carolina State Championship meet this weekend?

Fortunately I was able to claim victory over my past 5 races. These wins have given me huge amounts of confidence and it fuels me for the state race. I have been able to stay consistent and strong which makes me feel ready coming into state.

What thoughts went through your mind when you dropped that 15:14 at Low Country Invite? Did you surprise yourself? As only a sophomore how do performances like that impact how you think of the future?

When coming through at 15:14 during Low Country, I looked at the clock and simply felt amazement and a huge amount of satisfaction. Jackson, Myers, Gilman and I all came through the 2 mile in the low 9:50's and I knew we were flying. Moments like low country bring me incredible amounts of excitement and expand my dreams. It makes me realize that whatever I dream can become a reality with faith andhard work.

You took down fellow sophomore stud Ben Gilman at Sandhills. Was revenge on your mind at that race after he beat you earlier in the season?

The Sandhills Invite was definitely an exciting race. My friend, Ben, certainly has had his fair share of wins over me, and I have the utmost respect for him as an athlete. He and I battled it out the whole race and it came down to holding off his kick in the final 400 meters. I was ready to try and take a win over him but we both ran a competitive, gutsy race, and were able to Finish as even better friends, which matters the most.

After Dutch Fork took the win at Middle State’s last weekend, what is the vibe on the team heading into State this weekend?

The team has certainly made its mark this season and we only proved ourselves more at Mid States. Dutch Fork is certainly worthy of being a State Championship team, we just need to bring it home at state. Proud of all my teammates: Jonathan Phipps, Kenneth Vowles, Jackson Jordan, Alex Chalgren, James Bowen, and George Case.

You got 3rd at South Carolina States in the 3200m this past Spring as a freshmen, how did you respond to your performance in a field of mostly seniors and some juniors?

The 3200m in the Spring was definitely a challenge racing the upper class men. When racing, I thought of our abilities instead of our ages and went all in. I had to be confident in my training and my experience, and had no doubts.

What is your goal at South Carolina State Champs this weekend?

At State this weekend, my goals are to be individual State Champion, and bring home Dutch Fork's first ever Boys State Title with all of my teammates and coach!

What are your goals after State? Do you plan on running at Foot Locker South?

After State I have many goals. I plan on running Footlocker South, and may do the seeded race! It would be tight competition but is a goal of mine to qualify for nationals as a Sophomore. At Footlocker, I would like to look at going low 15's since it's a fairly quick course.

Dominick gets third at South Carolina State Champs in 3200m last Spring as a freshman

What did you learn in your first year of competitive high school competition as a freshmen? How have you matured since you began running?

I have learned so much from running, especially during my 9th grade year. Freshman year was my first year competing at the State level, so I had to start focusing on running consistently and being smart. I also needed to train correctly inside and outside of practice. I learned primarily to have faith in your training and have a clear mindset. Running has certainly matured me by teaching me to have a persistent, patient, and humble attitude... but most of all, believing in yourself!

When you graduate high school in 2017, what would you like to look back on and say that you accomplished with your high school running?

Before I graduate high school, I would wish to say I have: Ran a sub 4 minute mile, sub 8:50 2 mile, and a sub 14:30 5k. I hope one day to place top three at Footlocker Nationals, win multiple state titles, and race at big track meets such as New Balance Nationals.

Tell us a little about your coach and how he has helped you during your first year and a half HS years?

Coach Lindler has been a huge help in my growth as a runner throughout high school so far. Coach routinely gives me racing and training advice, but also lets me develop my own style at the same time. Food and nutrition has been a huge part of my progression, and I am fortunate to have a coach who can teach me things such as eating right. Coach is always willing to work through obstacles with me so we can always keep moving forward.

What is your top running moment in your life so far and why?

My top running moment would have to be running a 15:14 at low country invite. Low Country was extremely exciting with huge competition, and I was able to make significant progression in my time!

Does your team have any fun traditions?

Every race, the team and I all say a prayer together before getting on the line. Lots of times we love to have pasta parties the week of a big race to get excited and bond together. Every year, we go to App State for a cross country team camp which we have spent some of life's best moments.

What are some other things you enjoy doing outside of running? Give us a little insight into the life of Avery Dominick away from the XC course and track.

Outside of running and athletics, I love spending time with my friends and teammates, and being at my church and youth group! I love playing Ultimate Frisbee and doing anything active and outdoors! I also love to help serve the community and spread the name of Jesus.

Your identify yourself as a “follower of Christ, endurance athlete, runner” on Twitter. What importance does Christ take in your life?

The role that Christ takes in my life is far beyond what I can explain, but I do know that he is the single most important factor of my life. Jesus Christ offers me strength and guidance at every turn, on and off the course, and gives me motivation to live a loving life as he did. Christ is my strength while I run and I aim to give him the glory. Philippians 4:13 is written on my racing spikes and states: "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Christ offers me internal strength as I walk through life and run the race. I couldn't be more blessed than to have a relationship with my heavenly father, and I wish to live a life to shine his love upon everyone.

It appears like you bike as well. Have you done some triathlons in the past, have you thought about doing some in the future?

I am into biking! I recently got into Triathlons and have been swimming for a little over a year and biking for about a year. I competed in the Lake Carolina triathlon over the summer and I loved it. I wish to keep competing in Triathlons and progressing, maybe one day being part of the Junior USA Triathlon team.

What is your favorite pre-race food?

My favorite pre-race food is pasta!!

Who is the biggest inspiration for you in the sport, why?

My biggest inspiration for running is defiantly Steve Prefontaine because of his gutsy race tactics and his relentless will to win.

Anything else you would like to add..?

I would like to thank every one who has encouraged me throughout my running career and brought me to the point I have come. I want to thank my mom, dad, and sister. I wish to thank Coach Lindler and all of my teammates. I also want to thank some of my role models such as Roland Hakes, Zack Langston, and Tony Morales who have all impacted me in the sport. All glory be to God.