Salute To Seniors: Dan Uhranowsky (Abington Heights)

What was your most memorable race/competition?

The most memorable race in my career was the 4x4 relay at the District II championships this past season. There were two other teams (Delaware Valley and Scranton) who had challenged us all season, and to have all four of our guys be on their A-game and come away with the win was incredible.

Where did you face your biggest competition?

Any of the state championship meets that I participated in. I've had some bad luck at big meets and it has taught me that there is no room for error on race day.

Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?

Going all the way back to freshman year, I told myself if I didn't break 5 indoors that I would play lacrosse in the spring. I ran 4:54 at a local meet, and as small of a feat as it is, it was huge in my book. That's when I thought that I might be able to make something of this.

If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?

I would try to pay more attention to the details of the process. I tend to get a bit too focused on the end goal rather than going day by day and making sure that I am doing everything that I can to achieve it.

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?

Getting mono during my senior year was the biggest obstacle I had to overcome. My racing during cross country was very inconsistent, but I shook it off as a bit of overtraining and managed to race well at Paul Short and Districts. Then at states I completely hit the wall still not knowing what was wrong. I ended up getting sick for the entirety of December, and yet I didn't think of it as anything more than a common flu. I finally started running again in January, managing to salvage a little bit of fitness. I tried to race in January and it went terribly, so I ordered a blood test the next day and it turned out I had mono that whole time. I had to take off the last week of January until the second week of march. Coming into outdoors I was lacking fitness, motivation, and confidence. My coach kept reassuring me that it would all work out, and it did. He kept my mileage low and geared me more toward shorter distances knowing our team had a good shot at the 4x4. After all that I had to overcome this outdoor season there was no better feeling than winning with my team. Sometimes you have to overcome, but as long as you buy into the process it will all work out.


What will you miss the most?





Showing up to practice after school and seeing all the faces I've grown so close to is something that I'll miss. Practices were a part of the day where we all felt like we were part of something bigger.

Do you have any advice for younger athletes? 





Buy in fully to whatever training is presented to you. Even if it doesn't work for you at first, you will eventually adapt. The practice of committing to something and sticking to it is an important lesson that will benefit you later on.

How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?

My coaches have showed me that to be a good athlete, you have to be well rounded. Doing well in the classroom is something that is necessary for success. Keeping up on your work is one less thing that you have to worry about. Without them I wouldn't be the same runner and person I am today.

What are your post-high school plans?

I'll be attending the University of Pittsburgh to study environmental science and continue my XC and track and field careers.

Any shoutouts?

I would first like to give a huge thank you to my parents, team, and coaches for all the endless support through it all. Next would have to be Kyle Burke, who is a truly admirable character and my training partner from the beginning. And lastly the OCMD boys. #FTC