Salute to Seniors: Silas Eastman (Fryeburg Academy)

Maine 2013 Salute to Seniors

Jun 18, 2013

Silas Eastman - Fryeburg Academy

What was your most memorable races? My most memorable race was XC states this past fall running with Dan Curts. I have never had someone push me so hard during a race, and it taught me a lot about racing. The result at the finish line is nowhere near as meaningful as what you put into the rest of the race, and what Dan and I put into that race that day was amazing. I am so grateful that cross country and track are the kind of sports where you can be friends with your opponents and see them as more than just someone you have to try and beat, because after that race I wasn't upset with my race and I wasn't replaying every part of it looking for where I screwed up. Instead I was just so grateful that we had both done out best.

Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most? There isn't one race or moment that stands out to me. I see it as more of a progression of accomplishments, each one building on the previous. I am just so happy that I was able to accomplish everything that I did over the past four years.

If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?If I could change one thing I would have worked harder my freshman and sophomore years and not have taken so many things for granted in the season. I was young and didn't see racing the same way that I do now. I can't help but think, what if I had taken every day at practice as seriously as I did my senior year, how much more I could have done?

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome? I didn't really have any great obstacles in my high school career fortunately. One thing I did have to learn over my four years was how to work through the pain in every workout and race, and see past the pain to the greater goal.

What will you miss the most? I will miss my team a lot. They were there for me, I was there for them, and they helped me to grow. I can only hope that the bonds I have with my college teams are the same. They were able to make any workout fun, no matter how miserable the weather or workout was, we were always able to find a way around the negative.

What advice you would give to younger athletes? The best advice I can give is don't take anything for granted and enjoy every moment, because the memories you walk away with are so meaningful. Give it your best all the time, because what you earn that way is worth so much more than anything you earn while not giving your all.

What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals? My coach has had a huge impact on my life and future. He pushed me to always be better, and I couldn't have gotten to where I am with any other coach. He really took the time to learn who I was as a person and an athlete. He has been an inspiration to me, and has made running a part of my life.

What are your college plans? I am attending Colby college where I will run XC and ski.

Who would you like to say thank you to? I want to first thank my coach for everything that he has done for me. Thank you to my team for always being there to push me, I hope that I did as much to help you as you did for me. You guys are awesome. Thank you to all my competitors for pushing me, I made a lot of good friends and met so many people through XC and track. Finally my family for hardly ever missing a race, it means so much.

Personal Bests

1,600 Meter Run 4:27.90
3,200 Meter Run 9:26.36
Three Mile Run 15:26.00
5,000 Meter Run 15:42.00
800 Meter Run 2:02.90

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