What was your most memorable moment?
My most memorable race was by far the Holmdel Season Ender my senior year. My spring season went really well and it was a great meet to cap it all off. The whole night was just a crazy ride. I won the meet by passing 3 people in the last 400 meters; my split was a 62. I crossed the line and broke the tape, which is something I've never done before. Afterwards, my parents, coaches and teammates kept congratulating me on a great race. The whole night just felt surreal. What a way to end my high school running career!
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
Anyone who got on the line. I love racing, so as long as I had someone to race, I was competitive no matter what.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment was breaking the 1600 meter record at Hightstown High School. The previous record stood for 12 years (4:22.32), and I'm glad I took it down (4:21.52). It was a crazy tight race at the Mercer County Championships, with everyone running together for the first 1100 meters. After that, it was just a mad dash for the finish line. I'm glad that I had officially broke the record during this race and that it was out of the way. I thought I had it the weekend before at the Mercer Coaches Classic, but missed it by exactly 1 second.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your high school career?
I wish I would have run Indoor Track my freshman year, but I'm glad to say that that's the only thing I'd change about my running career.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
I think that the most difficult aspect for me to overcome was my long list of coaches. It's not that I had a problem with any of them, they were all fantastic, but adapting to new and different coaching styles was difficult.
What will you miss the most?
My teammates without a doubt. They are my family, but I know they're all going to do big things in the future and I'm excited for them.
What advice would you give to younger athletes?
Enjoy every second of it. Four years flies by, so make sure to give every race your all. Also your teammates are going to be like family, so make sure to get to know all of them well.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
All seven of my coaches throughout the years wanted nothing but the best for my teammates and I. They told us to be the best versions of ourselves both on and off the track. I have nothing but respect for all of them and want to thank each of them for how much they have done for me.
What are your post-high school or college plans?
I'm going to study Software Engineering and continue to run at Monmouth University.
Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?
First, I'd like to thank my parents. I would be nothing without them and I appreciate all that they have done for me. Next all my coaches (McNulty, Triv, Biondi, Peterson, Lepes, Edwards and DeFroscia) who gave everything to help me succeed and to get to where I am now. Then to teammates who are the best friends that I could ever ask for. Finally, to Coach Joe who has been so gracious to allow me to continue running at Monmouth University for the next few years.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Go Rams and Fly Hawks!
