One of the school’s top Track and Field runners junior Jonathan Lomagda was recently given the Metro Cross Country Runner of the Year Award by the Norfolk Sports Club.  And, as a junior, Lomagda has already been offered three scholarships to various colleges. 

Q: What got you into track? Does anyone else in your family run?

A: “My parents got me into every sport, including running starting at young age and they encouraged me to start running on the track team. Both my parents were runners, and they both still run to this day.”

Q: When did you start competing?

A: “I ran in fun runs when I was in elementary school, but I really started competing when I attended Great Neck Middle School.”

Q: Who in your life has influenced you the most? And that can always keep you going?

A: “My parents have definitely influenced me the most. They always support me and push me to do my best.”

Q: When you are running, what keeps you centered?

A: “When I’m running, I usually am centered on the finish line and remind myself to keep pushing.”

Q: How do you feel after you place first in a big meet?

A: It feels awesome when you win a race. All the hard work my parents have put in has definitely influenced me the most. They always support me and push me to do my best.

Q: Are you considering any colleges for track? If so, which ones?

A: “I don’t know what college I want to go to yet. I have schools contacting me, but I don’t really know yet.”

Q: How does Head Coach Doan keep you going? What is the best piece of advice he ever gave you?

A: “Coach Doan keeps us going by reminding us of our big meets at the end of the season, since that’s really what we’re always working toward. The best advice I’ve gotten from him is probably, ‘Don’t suck.’”

Q: How do you keep yourself going through a race?

A: “I always remind myself that it will be over soon.”

Q: What advice would you give to students considering to run track?

A: “I would tell them to enjoy it. Running can be either tons of fun, or terrible. It’s what you make of it.”

Q: Thus far, what has been your biggest accomplishment in track?

 A: “My biggest accomplishment was during this past Cross Country season when I placed 13^th at the Foot Locker South Regional Cross Country Championships. The top 10 runners go to the national competition in California. So, I’m hoping to be there next year.”