Arizin winning the 2017 PIAA Class AAA 800m state title (Photo by Don Rich)
Today, we salute Olivia Arizin. The two-time PIAA Class AAA 800 meter champion, who was also part of the state championship Cardinal O'Hara cross country team from this past fall, just finished up a decorated career.
Throughout the end of June and through July we we be honoring our graduating seniors. To submit your own questionaire to be posted on the front page of PennTrackXC, check out this page and email your responses to Dan Beck (daniel.beck@flosports.tv)
--------
What was your most memorable race/competition?
The most memorable race was the first time I won the at the State Championship. It was the first time that the hard work felt worth it.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
My sophomore year, I traveled out to Oregon for the USATF Junior Nationals. The girls in my heat were girls that I have looked up to for as long as I can remember, like Raevyn Rogers.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
The New Balance Meets and State Championships stand out the most to me, but there is not one particular accomplishment that stands out. I am most thankful and grateful for the memories and those who have helped me push myself.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
If I could do it all over again, I would have liked to try the hurdles. Other than that, I wouldn't have changed anything. Everything, both good and bad, helped me to become the person/runner I am today.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Some difficult obstacles were coaching changes and bad races.
I will miss the senior girls the most. We have been through good times and bad together. Some of the senior girls went to grade school with me, so it will be hard to leave them after 12 years together.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
My advice is to always run with a purpose. Each time I step on the track, I dedicate my race to someone and chase my goal. Also, always have fun! Some of my fondest memories of high school track are the laughs I shared with my friends at practice. Finally, to know and understand that everything happens for a reason. Some of the hardest lessons I learned were from bad races. But I carried those lessons with me and they helped me in the long run.
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?
I have been lucky to have great people who have supported me in both good times and bad. Mr. Mcshay was the first coach at O'Hara that I have had. He taught me how to love the sport even more and to believe in myself. Coach Williams, who came for my last season at O'Hara taught us how to work hard and have fun doing it. His positive energy radiated to each girl that he trained. Finally Mr. Dolan, who has coached me since I started running, has helped me to believe in myself. He helped me in so many ways that I am forever grateful for!
What are your post-high school plans?
Shout-Outs?
