Salute To Seniors is a medium for "senior farewells". We wanted to give everyone a chance to salute them one more time as well as invite those seniors to tell their stories from the past four years. We will be posting this series through July, and already have a number of submissions, if you would like to submit check out this article for how to do so.
--- -|- ---
Leo Zaccaria
Cape May Tech (XC)
Wildwood HS (Track)
Q: What was your most memorable race or moment?
My most memorable races were winning NJTAC in XC, becoming the fastest runner out of all tech schools in NJ, and the first winner of the race in school history. My next most memorable race would be running a PR of 1:57.56 at NJSIAA Group 1 Championships, in a perfectly planned and executed race.
Q: Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
My biggest competition over the years, especially for XC would have to be Ocean City HS. They have been my rivals since the start and also motivated and pushed me to become a better runner. On the track Haddon Twp and Pitman were the most competitive teams I'd face.
Q: What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment was making it to the Meet of Champions my senior year in both indoor and outdoor track seasons.
Q: If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running or field career in high school?
If I could start all over again, I would have joined the track team my freshman year, and put in more time and training into the sport.
Q: What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
My most difficult obstacle was coming back from an injury early junior year right before XC season started. I had to miss the first 3 meets of the season, but it turned out to be a great and record breaking season.
Q: What will you miss the most?
I will miss the hype of the indoor meets at the bubble, stopping at Chick-fil-A, running the bowl at Holmdel, and the early morning summer XC practices.
Q: What advice would you give to younger athletes?
The advice I would give to younger and upcoming runners would be to gradually train harder and smarter. Don't grind yourself out too early.
Q: What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
My coaches have helped shape me into the runner I am today. They have helped me achieve many of my goals and always supported me and I credit them for my successes.
Q: What are your post-high school or college plans?
After High School I will be attending and running for Division 1 Rider University. I am super excited to join a great group of guys and run for an amazing team and a great coach.
Q: Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?
I would like to say thank you to my parents for always being there for me. And most of all my dad for always motivating me and inspiring me to become the best. Also a big thank you to my sisters for always coming to my meets and cheering me on!
