Multi-time Athlete of the Month runner Dan Valentino answered some questions about his success. Dan took gold at the Shore Conference, Monmouth County, and Central Group 4 meets. 

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What position do you play?

– Well, I run, so there’s not really a position. I guess you could say I’m the number one runner, since you have your 1-7 guys in Cross Country. I’m really just a runner, though.

What is your favorite memory while playing for Township?

– I think it was my freshman or sophomore year, when I had a group of juniors and seniors that I was really close with. They fathered me into running, and carrying on that legacy is something I really work hard on. We have such a great running program here at Township, and being the leader of it is something I take great pride in.

What is your favorite aspect of the sport?

– I think what I like best about running is that you get out what you put into it. I work really, really hard to try and improve; I do morning runs, go to school, and then practice again after school. The more effort you put into it, the more you are going to get out of it, and not a lot of sports are like that, because they are dependent on other factors.

Who is your favorite professional athlete/inspiration?

– Actually, my favorite professional inspiration was a racecar driver named Ayrton Senna. His quotes are about the limitations of the human body and racing, and how improvement comes from pushing past those limits/thresholds. He mentions how once you pass a certain limit, you create new ones, and I feel like I really apply that to myself and running.

What is your favorite subject in school and why?

– Well, if lunch and study doesn’t count, I’d probably say history. I don’t really know why, but I just find it somewhat interesting.

What is your favorite sport outside of running?

– Outside of running, I would play hockey in a heartbeat. I love hockey because I played it a lot as a kid, along with baseball. I miss baseball too. I played football too, until I broke my ribs. That hurt a lot. In the end, it benefitted me that I chose running over those sports, and now I’m going to college for it.

Do you have any involvement in school besides sports? (Clubs, activities, etc)

– Oh yeah, I’m in Peer Leadership, National Honor Society, Latin Honor Society, Latin Club, Project Lundy (a safe driving club), Team Township, and the Blessing Bag Brigade.

Where’s your ideal vacation spot?

– Alaska. I guess I would want to go there because of the fishing, and I don’t really mind the cold.

What are your favorite sources of entertainment? Movies, books, music, bands, etc.

– I’m on Snapchat a lot, but I’ve never really gotten into movies or shows. I haven’t really watched anything that great. I play video games here and there, but that’s really it.

What is your favorite food?

– Favorite food? Definitely popcorn. It’s kind of bad, actually; I’ll have a bag a night.

How do you help your teammates improve?

– I tell a lot of the freshman and sophomores that with running, if you put in the dedication, work, and effort, it will pay off. I tell them that I wasn’t even a top-7 runner in middle school, and that the only thing stopping you from where you want to be is yourself.

Do you have any advice for those looking to participate next year?

– Just come out. Cross country is one of those sports where you don’t have to be the best; it’s no cut. I’m not going to lie, it’s not for everyone. But the only way to know is to come out and try it.

Congrats again to Dan Valentino on his incredible achievements!

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Here were Dan’s accomplishments in October:

• Monmouth County Cross Country Champion
  • 2nd person in school history to accomplish the feat

• SHORE CONFERENCE CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPION
  • 1st person in school history to accomplish the feat

Here’s what Coach Fromuth had to say about Dan:

“Dan has led the team in practices and in meets all season. The team was 7th at the Monmouth County Championship and 10th at the Shore Conference Championship with Dan leading the way in both races.”