When and how did you get into track and field?
I joined cross country in 7th grade after failing to make it on a soccer team. I was kind of bummed out but I didn't know that getting rejected from one team gave me the opportunity to join another; one that would become family. From there, I started running track.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
I wasn't fast enough to have true rivalry but if I had to say it would be probably my friends Andre Brozman and Sam Ahola (this guy in particular for the 100m dash).
What was your greatest accomplishment?
Personally, probably breaking 24 in the 200 (23.79) but as a whole, I'd say I felt pretty accomplished influencing the underclassmen athletes to become more than just a team: become a family and community that cares for each other.
How has track and field impacted your life?
Everything revolved around track/xc. I was enamored by the family feel that came with these sports and how I integrated perfectly with my teammates. I found devotion in this sport and since it was scholastic, I picked up the slack at school. I strove to become a good student so that I may succeed in these sports; I corrected my sleep schedule, ate healthily, and spent less time on the screen. It also taught me that everyone deserves a chance, no matter their individual merits or vices. Be compassionate.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
I get injured. A lot. In cross country freshman year, I had a devastating knee injury that took me out for 3 months. Next, in outdoors during my sophomore year, I had plantar fasciitis and got quarantined a whole lot. Junior year, I dealt with plantar issues again and some extensor tendinitis. This year, the extensors struck again and shin splints began to set in. Whole lotta pain around here but it was an experience to learn from: know your limits and don't hurt yourself.
How do you prepare for competitions?
I chill the day before. All homework must be finished so that the night before is all video games and stretching. I always order from Chili's for the pre-race meal: 10oz sirloin cooked medium rare with loaded mashed potatoes and broccoli. That's the move. I aim to sleep around 8.5 to 9 hours and drink about 10 bottles of water the day before and 6-8 bottles a day the week of the competition.
What influence has your coach had on your high school career?
My coaches, Mosca, Johnson, Holyoke, Sund, Huber, and Hackett have all made extremely large influences on who I am as a person and athlete and also the shape of the entire track/xc program of Bangor High. They took care of all of the logistics and made sure that every athlete got what they needed to perform, succeed, and most importantly, have fun. This program couldn't have flown let alone even gotten off the ground without this full team of coaches lifting it up. I owe them everything.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of track and field?
I enjoy playing video games (particularly rhythm games), writing poems or short stories, animating, reading books (love sci-fi!), cooking/baking, and hobby jogging (can't escape the grind).
What are your college plans?
4 years of undergrad at the University of Michigan and then medical school.
What are your long-term goals?
I hope to be able to maintain my fitness throughout my university years. Seeing my condition right now, I don't know if I have enough energy in me to prevent burnout if I stepped on the track to compete again, so I'll be out of commission for a bit, but I do hope to race again in UMich's MRun club.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
There are so many people to thank in life. My coaches, my family, my teammates, and my competitors. The mistaken thought these days is that we are ourselves. Instead, it is the people around us who form us. I want to thank all of you. I'm going to miss running under your supervision, under your support, running with you, and running against you. Thank you all.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
I think I said this thrice already but: be compassionate. We're all in this fight together. Take the time to hang out with the kid who always runs alone. Be that cheery face that everyone wants to get close with at a meet. Treat each other: your teammates, your coaches, and even your competitors, as family. It may be hard to grasp as underclassmen, but once you've run alongside these people for four years, it's quite a unique bond. You'll miss everyone, trust me, so spend your four years being the kindest and most compassionate one out there on the field.