Tell us how you got started with competitive running.
I got started with competitive running really in 7th grade when I did not make the soccer team, so I decided to do cross country. I started as number four on the team and realized I had potential, but a long way to go if I wanted to be up with the number one. My Jr. High coach trained me hard and by the end of seventh grade I was 18th in the Jr. High Chesmont championship race.
What were some of your goals heading into this season?
I honestly did not know what to expect going into high school XC but my main goal was to make the varsity team and stick with them.
What did the coaches expect from you this season?
Coach Kelly I feel expected me to just train my hardest and get me to start focusing on the sport. I think he had higher expectations for me than I did.
How nervous were you for your first race? What did you want to accomplish?
My first race this year was at Bishop Shanahan. I was very nervous because I had only ever run one 5k before then, and that was in 7th grade. My goal was to be in the top ten, and I finished 7th.
Talk about the one race that gave you the belief that you could be really good this season.
One of the first races was the Cherokee Challenge freshman race. It was a two mile and I got second place behind Joe Grandizio; the top freshman from NJ. This made me realize this season might be a good one.
How have you gotten along with your older teammates as you have moved up the ranks of the team?
The team at Henderson is great. The seniors, Will Swart, Gordy Barchet, and Alex Knapp, were showing me the ropes and were very tolerant of me. Gordy really helps keep the mood light as he is the funniest guy on the team.
How did your goals change going into the big meets?
In the big meets my goals were less personal and more for the team, instead of setting my personal best I would focus on doing my best so the team would score higher.
Has running become your favorite sport? Why or why not?
I have wrestled for over half my life and I really love it. Running is definitely a close second though.
Which course has been your favorite to run? Least favorite?
My favorite was Hershey just because I felt it really showed who had been training for a solid course with a few big hills. My least favorite course was definitely Springton Manor which is Downingtown West’s home course just because of their massive hill that kills your legs and then an uphill finish to make it worse.
What are you most excited about going forward as a runner?
I really want to see everyone improve and see how I can get better through high school. I should also say that I’m looking forward to doing full varsity workouts next year, but I’m not. Coach cut my workouts back from the other varsity since I was a freshman.
