Zuzzio looks back on cross country career
HUNTLEy — Zach Zuzzio’s Huntley cross country career came to a close when he crossed the finish line at the Lake Park Class 3A Sectional meet Oct. 28.
“I’ll miss all of it,” Zuzzio, who finished 35th, said.
Zuzzio recently answered questions about their cross country career.
Describe your initial years of cross country.
Zuzzio: “When I first joined cross country I thought of it as a way to condition myself for baseball. I still enjoyed running, especially coming from a state championship team in eighth grade, but it was never my main focus.”
Who has helped you the most at middle school or high school levels?
Zuzzio: “Head coach Matt Kaplan has helped me throughout my running career. He has taught me the ins and outs of running and has intensely trained me over the last four years. I would not be where I am today without his coaching and guidance.”
What other sports have you participated in?
Zuzzio: “Besides track and cross country the majority of my youth was filled with baseball and basketball. I played both of those sports until my freshman year in high school.”
Describe your off-season training.
Zuzzio: “The majority of our off-season is spent where we will start doing 30-40 miles per week. As the summer progresses this mileage increases to a steady rate up until 50. Throughout this progression, the intensity of our training also increases. We start with easier runs and they start to get harder and harder as our training progresses. This off-season Tommy Nitz, Luke Grubbs and I spent our summer in the mountains of Gunnison, Colo. where we were able to train at high altitudes with the Team Prep USA camp.”
Which season achievement or moment is your favorite memory so far?
Zuzzio: “So far my favorite memory was watching my teammate, Grubbs, win the Minooka Invite. I didn’t run that weekend so I was able to watch hum run and it was awesome seeing him win that race.”
Describe how you show leadership as a senior?
Zuzzio: “As a senior leader on this team, a majority of the leadership is shown through my actions. I also try to lead by example and by setting a good model and example I am able to show these younger guys what needs to be done. A big part as well of being a leader if younger guys is to be personal. By knowing your teammates on a personal level it is easier to help them find their path.”
Have you made a decision on college, major and future of your cross country?
Zuzzio: “I am yet to make a decision on a college to attend. I do know for certain that I want to run at a collegiate level. It has always been a dream of mine that I am looking forward to living out this upcoming year. I plan to go into the engineering field or potentially study computer science.”
