Name: Paolo De Marco
School: Deering High school
What was your most memorable race?
My most memorable race would probably have to be the 300 meter hurdles state final my junior year. My first State title and probably one of the greatest days of my life.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
I have had lots of competition over the 4 years of my high school career. Biggest has to be Maxim Doiron, we were always so close in just about every hurdle race and 600 we ran together. Others like Griffin Madden and Matt Polewazyck, even though I rarely got to compete against Matt he still pushed me in practice knowing that I would eventually have to face him at states.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment was hands down placing 6th at New Englands and qualifying for nationals with 35.52 in the 300 meters, Almost breaking Dixons All-time state record of 35.50.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I would definitely start earlier and lifting more, I can say I didn't really start to take it too seriously until mid sophomore year and had to catch up a lot in the sprint events like the 200 and 400.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Dealing with some of the injuries I had like the fractured vertebrae in my lower back and also just not letting my head get to me. Learning to stay focused and calm before meets and not sike myself out.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss all my friends, I know i'll make new ones at college meets but it's tough to say goodbye to the ones that i've been running with over the years. Some of the nicest people I know.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
If you take the sport seriously don't wait to start working, track is a sport where you get out what you put in during speed days and the hours you put in the weight room. I've seen so many kids on my team improve just by actually showing up and doing what the coaches tell them to the best of their abilities.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
My coach has had a huge influence on my performance and overall life goals. He helped me gain confidence but also brought me down to Earth whenever I was getting too into myself. He always had a plan for me but I never realized it or believed it until it actually happened. I still remember freshman year I told him I would never run the 400 again after I split a 59 in the 4x4 and his exact words were, "yes you will." Without his guidance I don't think I would be where I am today. He brought me up from just a small insignificant freshman compared to the history of Maine track and field to who I am now.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
My coaches, the Yeboah brothers for being very supportive over the years as well as being great motivators. Always wanted to beat them and be as good as them one day. And my former teammate Hany Ramadan for pushing me in practice, always hated being second to him in everything. Without a doubt the biggest motivator for me since sophomore year.
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Do you know a class of 2016 track and field or cross country athlete? We'd like to salute them! Have them answer the following questions plus send 2-3 photos (can not be from another website or publication) to dveilleux@milesplit.us
