September AoTM (Male): Zach Zawatski — Cross Country Runner

What grade are you in?

A senior 

How long have you been running?

I started in 6th grade so for 7 years

What event do you do?

Distance Runner

How did you start playing, what age were you when you started?

Since I was 4 just because I can run during summer and I loved it and was good at it.

Have you played any other events?

No, just distance

Do you want to play in college, do you know what school you’re attending?

Yes! So far I am looking at Baylor, Uconn, Clemson and Bucknell

Do you play any other sports?

Both seasons of Track and Field

Do you run outside of school?

Used to but not anymore

Which do you like playing better in or outside of school?

Both, I was with the same group of friends at Gone Running with Bob Andrews.

What was the hardest thing to learn about the sport?

Diet is a big part of the sport. I used to eat junk but now I don’t

What is your favorite thing about the sport?

The long runs. It is peaceful and gives me time to think.

What is your greatest achievement in the sport?

It was during sectionals, I had about half a mile left in the race. I was dehydrated, I felt dizzy and could not see anything. I kept going and stumble across the finish line and then I passed out. I was hospitalized for about a week but I still qualified. 

What is the greatest moment you had during the sport?

When we made it to States with my friends who now graduated, I miss them a lot. And us winning Shore Conferences during the track season.

How do you stay in shape?

Just by running, and gyms and cross training

Is it hard for you to balance school and sports, how do you balance them out?

It is hard but I got used to it but I had to learn how to prioritize 

Do you want to go pro?

Yes, hopefully one day. Maybe as a marathoner or triathlete.  

Do you have any before game rituals or superstitions?

If we are running at Michael J Tighe park there is lamp post that has a sword drawn on to it. We have to slap it.

How does the team look for the sectionals?

Really strong, most of the team is dedicated. Few people just need to be more dedicated

ACCOMPLISHMENTS (STATISTICAL OR OTHERWISE) FROM THE MONTH:

• A-North Champion

ATHLETE’S IMPACT ON THE TEAM’S OVERALL SUCCESS THIS MONTH:

• Zach’s first place finish at the A-North race was a major reason the team was able to win the division (the team had a one-point victory over Manalapan that decided the division).
• Zach is a leader at practice through his practice habits and work ethic, setting a positive example for the rest of his teammates.