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.
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Dylan LoPresti
Matawan Reg HS
Q: What was your most memorable race?
A: 2019 4x400 at New Balance Nationals Indoor. (All-American status with 5th place 3:21.88)
Q: Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
A: Within the Monmouth County, Tim McInerney, Tyler Kelly, and CBA's 4x400.
Q: What was your greatest accomplishment?
A: Winning the Group 2 Indoor 800m my junior year.
Q: If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your running career in high school?
A: I wish I could have trained more while cutting back on my races, so I could have peaked later in the season.Q: What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
A: My junior year, I found out that I had developed chronic compartment syndrome in both legs. It was very hard to train throughout the winter and spring seasons and caused me to miss my junior and senior cross country seasons. After 2 surgeries this past summer, it took me a while to get back into training, so I had gotten off to a much later start than everyone else.
LoPresti winning the Group 2 Indoor 800m in 2018 running 1:59.07.
Q: What will you miss the most?
A: I will miss all the friendships I have made with teammates and my competitors throughout the state. This sport really has brought me close to so many different people.
Q: What advice would you give to younger athletes?
A: Train hard, recover, and have fun. This is such an amazing sport and I feel it is important that young athletes push themselves, but also have fun during the competition after they see the results. It takes time, so don't be impatient.
Q: What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
A: My coach has pushed me and helped me become the athlete and person I am today. Especially during my recovery time after surgery, my coach ensured that I don't rush anything so I can come back as healthy as possible. Although I have not run the times I've wanted to, my coach has helped me earn the opportunity to run at a Division 1 college and receive and excellent education.
Q: What are your post-high school or college plans?
A: I plan to study Mechanical Engineering and run Track and Field at Bucknell University.
Q: Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?
A: I would like to thank all my coaches and teammates who have become a second family to me, pushing me to become the athlete I am today. Thanks to my competitors, for forcing me out of my comfort zone in a race and helping me achieve new personal bests, while still developing friendships that I hope to withstand throughout college. A special thanks to Coach Schlentz for taking me in as one of his own athletes and giving me a multitude of tips to help with my running form and efficiency, while also guiding me through my surgery. Lastly, I would like to thank my family and most importantly, my parents, for sacrificing everything for me and this sport and being the best fans I could ask for.
