Today we salute Gordon Pollock of Winchester Thurston.
Pollock was a four-time cross country state qualifier and a two-time outdoor track state qualifier. He posted track PRs of 1:57.97 in the 800 meters and 4:23.03 in the mile run, and an XC 5K best of 16:24. This past spring, he placed fifth in the AA 1,600 meters at the PIAA State Championships.
In XC, Pollock ran at states each year of his career, progressively getting better. He was a apart of Winchester Thurston's 2014 1A state title team as a freshman. In 2016 as a junior, Pollock placed 45th and helped Winchester Thurston win the 1A state title for the second time in three years. This past fall as a senior, he placed 11th in the state, earning a state medal.
Throughout the end of June and through July we we be honoring our graduating seniors. To submit your own questionnaire to be posted on the front page of PennTrackXC, check out this page and email your responses to Dan Beck (daniel.beck@flosports.tv).
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What was your most memorable race/competition?
This season started off tough and I really wasn't running the times that I wanted. In addition, I was sick for a large part of it, and was really feeling upset with how my last high school track season was going. However, this all changed at the Baldwin Invitational, where I ran a 10 second PR in the mile, running 4:23.03 after a rain delay immediately before my race. It was the best I've ever felt during a race and it helped turn the tide for how the rest of my workouts and races went.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
My biggest completion is in my head.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
Running sub 2:10 in the 800 at the end of the road trip back from track states and less than 30 minutes after a huge dinner.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
I would've started weightlifting earlier and also would've quit the dang squash team earlier, which really got in the way of my winter training.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Learning the proper training for my body and learning about the dedication and consistency that has to come with running at a high level.
What will you miss the most?
Being able to hang out with the guys on the team every day as well as seeing all my friends at meets.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Everyone is different; don't try to train exactly like someone else just because it works for them. Figure out what works for you. Also, enjoy it! If you don't make it fun you'll have a much harder time training.
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?
My coaches have really taught me the power of consistency and hard work, and now I can apply these lessons to real life, not just running. In addition, Coach Frey always has a way to make training and racing an enjoyable, fulfilling, and hilarious experience.
What are your post-high school plans?
I will representing Boston College athletics as part of the Cross Country and Track team. Go Eagles!
Any shoutouts?
Bruce Frey can't read this but I'll still shout him out anyway.
