Interview by Jesminder Vega, AAC Chair of Communications

Gavin Shines at Federation Meet

In this issue, we’re thrilled to spotlight one of our exceptional athletes, Gavin W, who recently competed at the prestigious Federations meet. Reflecting on the experience, Gavin shared, "It was very fun and an honor to take part in. It was a really special way to end my high school cross-country career." Competing alongside some of the top athletes in the state, Gavin embraced both the challenge and the moment.

Preparation for such a high-stakes meet requires intense focus and effort. "It was hard," Gavin admitted, but he credits his success to a well-structured training plan. "I worked very closely with Coach Krupa, our head cross-country coach, to prepare for a meet like this." His regimen included early morning runs, cross-training, and building the mental toughness needed to perform at his best.

For Gavin, success has been a team effort. He highlighted the incredible growth of his team over the years, saying, "When I joined as a freshman, we were just six runners, and there weren’t any girls on the team. Now, we’re 30 strong, running two full teams and competing in major meets like NYSAIS." He also expressed gratitude for his teammates and coaches, emphasizing the camaraderie and encouragement that defined his experience.

One moment stood out to Gavin during his race: hearing his teammate Santiago cheer him on from the backwoods of the course. "It’s inspiring to see others excited about a sport I love so much," he said.

Gavin also stressed the importance of balance, including recovery and nutrition, as key to his success. "You have to listen to your body and make time for rest," he noted, underscoring the value of a holistic approach to training.

His advice to younger athletes? "Stay consistent and never underestimate the power of a strong support system."

Congratulations to Gavin for his outstanding achievement and for proudly representing our community at Federations!