Salute To Seniors is a medium for "senior farewells". We invite this year's seniors to tell their stories from the past four years. With the loss of the spring season we hope we can offer a chance to reflect on all the great moments this class did get to experience.
The series will run into the summer. Please note that there is a queue of submissions that keeps growing so there may be a wait until final publishing, but we will get to your piece.
For instructions on how to submit a piece please see this announcement article.
Justin Moran
Sayreville HS
What was your most memorable race?
My most memorable race was the cross country GMC championships my sophomore year when I dropped over 20 seconds in one race, achieving my first sub 17 minute effort, and surprising myself and my coach greatly.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
I would consider Amaresh Chittigidde and Dylan Rodriguez my biggest competitors over the years. Amaresh and I are in the same conference, and every 1600m GMC and sectional race over the past 4 years we've always been similar in place and time. Dylan Rodriguez and I have been training partners and close friends on the same team since my freshman year. We too, have been close in time and place a bunch of times, and whatever he ran, I'd soon follow up with, and he's been a great motivator over the years.
What was your personal greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment was perhaps qualifying for the Eastern States Championships in the mile, something I didn't think was in range even my sophomore year.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most difficult obstacle I had to overcome was being hurt going into my junior year, and missing 2 months of training. I came into my junior year of cross country in bad shape, and my first few races were pretty bad, finally rounding back into shape come conference week.
What will you miss the most?
The races are fun, but nothing beats having a good time at practice on a sunny day and laughing it up with your buddies.
What advice would you give to younger upcoming athletes?
Something I'll always stress to upcoming runners is to put in high mileage over the summer. It sets you up for a good cross country season, and more importantly a good year.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
My coaches always wanted me to aim high, and he was never afraid to tell me when I did horrible in a race which I wanted and need.
Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?
I would like to say thank you to my older brother for getting me into running when I was young, my coaches for training me, Law for bringing me back to speed when I was hurt, and my family for supporting me.