Emma Zawatski

Emma Zawatski is officially a Township superstar. Not only is she ranked as the number-one runner in the state, but she has taken her success to the national stage – she will be one of 40 runners in the country to qualify for the national championship meet in San Diego, California. She has been the brightest star of an otherwise star-studded Patriots lineup. I had the chance to sit down with Zawatski to discuss her secrets to success and the memories of her career so far.

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Hey Emma! Thank you so much for donating your time. As of now, you are the number-one runner in the state, correct?

– Yes. 

And you’re humble, too! Pretty casual “yes” there. I’m just kidding. Let’s get going. What do you like most about running? Why do you put yourself through all of this?

– I think what I like most, sorry if this is a basic answer, is how you can really push yourself in running. I don’t think there is any other sport where you can push yourself as much as running and where your full potential is never really unveiled. I love how every time you think you’ve reached your full potential or maxed out, you can push yourself to do more.

Agreed. I agree because each race offers a clean slate for you to improve upon. Now, I know there are probably a lot of them, but what is your most memorable memory while running for Township?

– Yeah, there are definitely a lot. Personally, my most memorable moment was winning my first mock title last year in the 1600-meter race. I would say my favorite team memory was made with my amazing team this year. It’s hard to choose, but I think winning groups this year was my favorite race. We didn’t know that we won until it was announced, and afterward, we were all ecstatic. The crowd was cheering, it was just an awesome moment. It’s hard to choose which race is my favorite.

Well, considering you run so frequently, is there ever an off-season? If so, how do you spend it?

– It’s not much of an offseason, it’s more like a ten-day break.

Wow, that made me feel lazy. With baseball, you definitely have more time to recover. Sorry, cut you off there.

– All good. Yeah, so we have ten days off from running, but we still have to cross-train during this time, whether it is biking, elliptical workouts, or lifting weights. You never really get “off,” but the break from running is definitely nice, that way you can get your legs back under you and prepare for the winter track season.

Well, I just had to ask this question. I know that I’m a superstitious athlete, but do you have any pre-race rituals that you partake in?

– Yes, I guess I do have one! I always drink the same mix before my meets, (my parents call it “the potion”), which is basically just three ingredients mixed in that don’t go together at all. It seems to be my good-luck charm, but that’s really all the superstition I have before a race.

I’ll transition away from the specifics of running, and ask what your favorite school subject is, and why?

– Well, it changes every year. I think this year my favorite subject is history. I have the most friends in that class, and last year I didn’t understand history at all, but this year, I understand it completely. I finally understand history, which I am happy about.

Well, I know I am a hardcore music nerd. What about you? Do you have any pre-race songs that get you pumped, and does it differ when you’re say, at home, listening to music?

– Oh, definitely. I have five or six different playlists, all for different occasions and different moods. My team has this one playlist that is my favorite – we always play it at pre-meet practices. Look up “Silent Disco” on Spotify!

Alright, nice! We’re almost done here. What would you say is your favorite pre-race snack or meal? (Excluding your potion).

– Well, I always accompany my potion with a bagel with turkey on it. It tastes disgusting, but it gets the job done.

Wow, that’s commitment if I’ve ever seen it. I couldn’t do that. Let’s wrap things up here. What is your favorite hobby outside of school?

– Oh man, I would have to say lifting is my favorite hobby. I lift once or twice a week, and it’s a nice change from running.

Awesome, Emma! Again, thank you so much for your time. I really appreciate it. Have a great track season to come!