The already successful runner is truly on a mission this
season. After winning the PIAA Foundations XC Invitational by running a
15:52.00 in the 3A race, just one week later, he ran a recorded-breaking time
of 14:43.20 at the 48th Lehigh Paul Short Run.
With DiCola currently etching his name as a Pennsylvania
great, many are probably wondering what makes him the successful runner he is.
The answer is those around him and his drive to succeed.
The young star attributes his running origins to his father.
Before DiCola started running himself, he would cycle alongside his dad. Looking
up to his parents, it was almost meant to be for DiCola to become a runner. He
said, "My dad has always been a big inspiration, he's always had running in
mind for me."
On the topic of family, DiCola's brothers act as a motivator
in pushing him to run fast times. He stated, "I want to set the records high
enough so they can't get them, they're both younger than me, and they're trying
to knab my times."
Other motivators for DiCola are his former and current
teammates. Devon Comber, currently running at Villanova University, has
significantly impacted DiCola. "He was a good guy to have on the team, he set
my schools records so others like me can go after them and break them," he
said.
Records and fast times aren't the only things DiCola plans
on accomplishing this season. He wants to win some big races too
"The goal is to win the state meet, which will be a big
challenge with Drew Griffith from Butler," mentioned DiCola. "I also want to
make Eastbay Nationals this year."
With his focus aimed at the top, DiCola has been taking
various steps to prepare for this season. Not only does he focus on good habits
such as sleep and recovery, but he also mentions, "I avoid bad habits like
drinking and smoking, they aren't good things for runners to get into."
DiCola's coaches are another big part of his preparation,
helping him not to overtrain and to get in the right mindset on race day.
"My coaches are really good at keeping me from overtraining
by keeping our easy runs no faster than 7:20 pace," he attributed. When it
comes to race day preparation, he said, "I map out my races beforehand, and I
come up with different possibilities with my coaches and my dad, so I'm ready
for any situation."
Other activities and organizations DiCola is involved with
are: the National Honors Society, where he must maintain an A average in his
classes. Students for a Sustainable Future, where he participates in community
clean-up projects. Key Club, where he volunteers his time across various
service opportunities.
Without a doubt, DiCola has the makings of an elite runner
but is also an excellent role model. From working with those around him to
chasing his big goals, he embodies what it means to be a Pennsylvania
Contender.
