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What was your most memorable race/competition?
My most memorable competition was definitely the R. Joseph Kellerman (Great Valley) Relays. I loved that meet and competing there so much.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
I faced my biggest competition every day. My biggest competitor is myself. I always had to beat him, if I didn't, I would work extra hard the next day to make sure I did. Besides myself, there were a select few rivals I had, but in the end we are all friends.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
Out of all my accomplishments, being named captain stands out the most. Ever since I was a freshman, I wanted to be captain of the track team. I knew I could help my team in so many ways. I'm glad I got the chance to help out and inspire so many individuals in my community. I know they'll do great.
Also winning Upper Darby Relays and especially winning Great Valley Relays back-to-back years with my partner Gurjeet Rai was awesome. #BestDuoEver
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
If I could do it again, I definitely would have worked harder my freshman year. I was not in the best shape after not doing indoor freshman year and was just trying to focus on football. I actually started running track to stay in shape for football. It didn't hit me until sophomore year when I heard Jeff Demps, a 2012 Olympian, say he really became better at track when he started running track for track and not for football. After that I worked much harder and ran track for track.
In the end though, it is what it is and this mistake helped me learn valuable lessons.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
I had many obstacles. I was a very self-conscious pole vaulter when I started out. Compared to my peers, I wasn't the best vaulter so I started to worry that others thought I was really bad (truth be told, I wasn't bad). I became really self-conscious sophomore year to the point where I would not take a jump if someone other than our team's other two vaulters were watching. Thank goodness I realized this and made this list of goals for my junior year: Pole vault in front of girls, vault in front of our head coach, pole vault in front of teammates whenever possible, take maximum amount of reps each day.
It was huge overcoming all of those obstacles. It felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. It really doesn't matter how people view you. Worry about yourself and that's it. If someone teases you for not being great, don't get mad or down about it, get even with them. Once I realized this, I became a lot better.
Another obstacle I had to overcome was the Petrov Technical Model, aka the proper pole vault form. Me and this model never agreed and I ended up creating my own form called "The Leinhauser Roll," which is now famous among Delaware County pole vaulters. I won't say it works as well as Petrov's model, but it works well enough, plus I made many people's days doing it.
What will you miss the most?
I will absolutely miss vaulting and the brotherhood of MNTF. I will love this sport until the end of time. Even though I know I will continue vaulting some point in my life, the competition and all the new friends I met was great. Even more than that, Marple Newtown Track and Field is more than just a track team. We have bonded since day one of my tenure and I believe that is because of something my head coach, Vince Clarke says, "you never get bad kids on the track team." From what I've experienced, it's true. I would take a bullet for any of the teammates I've had.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Never give up. Keep pushing. Get out of your comfort zone and don't look back. Track tests the limits of your body, if you succeed in working hard on the track, you will test your limits elsewhere. Keep up your grades too, you always want to have something to fall back on in case track doesn't work out. But besides having something to fall back on, keep your grades high because it will set you up for the rest of your life. If you work hard in school and on the track and other sports, there's no stopping you from achieving anything.
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?
Coach Clarke has told me one thing which I model parts of my life after, "the most important thing you can do is be helpful." Helping someone goes a very long way. If you don't help anyone in your life, don't expect help back. I will carry that message with me until the day I die.
Coach Andrew Furst has helped me realize my passion for exercise science. I never realized how much I liked learning more about muscles and their functions until he came along. He also has great character which I admire.
Coach Mike Willard, whom I only met this year through football (he later signed on as our throws coach), is an amazing guy. He has a heart of gold. Every coach should take a page out of his book under the attitude chapter. I will certainly miss the lighthearted conversations with him.
Coach Jerry Williams I connected with the most. From day one of pole vault practice he has been there for me. All the conversations and jokes we had were definitely worth it. We have the same mindset which is why I think we get along so much. I don't know how to explain why we connect so well, but I think he knows what I'm talking about.
To all the coaches listed above and the previous coaches I've had in football and track, thank you.
What are your college plans?
I will be attending West Chester University next year.
Shout-Outs?
Good luck to my PV partner Gurjeet Rai at West Chester University next year where he will be vaulting and I hope to join, no, will be joining him on the team. Good luck to my two other pole vault brothers from Penncrest, Thomas Rounds and Jacob Hornemann. Tom, you'll do great at West Point and always believe in yourself. Jake, you'll do awesome at Norwich.
To the captains next year, Harman Rai, keep working man. It will pay off. Trust the process, I know you'll do great. Liem Ross, keep the bond alive. You and Harman will be great captains. Keep working hard as well. Hard work always pays off.
Brain Pfeffinger, if you work hard and use your voice, you will be that other captain. I firmly believe that.
Masis Mardirosyan, stay healthy and you also can be captain. If you have a bad workout, don't blame it on your previous injuries, blame your mind for giving up on your body. Stay strong mentally and physically and you'll get really far in track and life.
To JJ Verzella, don't be afraid to sprint! If you work hard, you'll be joining Gurjeet and I at WCU. Good luck at Brandywine, but get over here as soon as you can.
To Chris Thai, good luck at Temple University. You will do amazing there.
Andrew Moore good luck at University of Vermont, I know you'll make their team.
Matt Heffernan, I wish you could have ran with us these last two years. I'll never forget the times we had.
To all of MNTF (girls and boys) best of luck in the future. Work really hard and you guys will be back on top of the Central League and especially Delco in no time. To all of my Delco vaulters, never do The Leinhauser Roll! Focus on learning the right form. My way doesn't work for everybody, actually it only works for me.
To everyone I have encountered during the process, thank you for being there and making the journey memorable.
All the glory to God.