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. Thank you to everyone who submitted, this is the final entry in the Summer of 2019 series. Read them all right here.
What was your most memorable race or moment?
The most memorable race of my high school career was easily the Championship of American DMR at Penn Relays in 2018. Our team went in as huge underdogs, and pulled out a huge win shocking everyone in the stadium. Breaking the historic meet record, and cementing ourselves as one of the greatest teams of all time was an unreal experience. After the race, being greeted by my teammates and family will be something I will never forget.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
Some of my biggest competitors in high school were Malual Mu, Atharv Kulkarni, Luis Peralta, and Tim Mcinerney. I raced Malual and Atharv pretty much every week because they were part of the loaded Mercer County distance class. They were always there pushing me to race hard, and always keeping me on my toes, in prep for a fast finish. I raced Luis and Tim head to head only a few times, but they were both some of the most intense competitors I have ever faced. Seeing what times they would run, would always motivate me to try and get on their level, and constantly keep me working my absolute hardest.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment came this past spring. I had never won and individual MOC title, and I finally accomplished that goal in winning the 1600 this spring.
Sean Dolan's Kick of the Week winner from Holmdel Twilight back in May, time of 9:02.66.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running or field career in high school?
I would want to have another chance at the 3200. I think I had more potential in that race, and was just too stubborn to step up and run that distance in the early years of my career.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most difficult obstacle I had to over come was my achilles injury this past indoor season. It had been bothering me on and off throughout the season, but the pain finally became absolutely unbearable to the point where walking was extremely tough. I cross trained like a maniac (2-3 times per day) in order to try and maintain some fitness, in attempt to save my final track season as a high schooler.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss my coaches and teammates greatly. The hours we have spent together will be cherished forever.
What advice would you give to younger athletes?
Be patient. It's not all going to happen at once. You can't get better with one run or workout. It's important to string together consistent training with all of the right things.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
Coach Oldfield and Coach Johnson both have had huge influences on my career thus far. I learned from Coach Johnson how to be really physically tough and gritty. He put me through some of the most painful workouts, that would always make me feel like a different athlete on the other side of them. Coach Oldfield taught me to be mentally tough. He would often challenge me on a psychological level when I was ready to give up. Some of my best workouts and races, come from him just getting into my head, and telling me I could do anything. I owe a lot to the both of them.
What are your post-high school or college plans?
I will be attending Villanova University, hoping to continue their ideal for academic and athletic excellence.
Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?
I would like to say thank you to both of my parents. None of this crazy dream would be possible without your constant support. I would also like to thank everyone at Hopewell Valley. Everyone from teammates, coaches, and our fantastic athletic trainer, Tim Coyne, thank you for all the help over the years.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Go Cats!
