Dominick Pataky, district champion in 2014, and with 4 state medals for his career, is a cross country runner for New Haven High School. Dominick came to New Haven in the 5th grade, always having an interest in running. Dominick began running in 7th grade, starting with track. “I first started running because Mr. Hagedorn told me that he thought that I could be great,” stated Dominick. Freshman year was the most memorable for Dominick. “It was like stepping into a whole new world of running.”
Dominick has run on many courses and always pushed to achieve his best times at all of them. “I really like the Fatima course, the Borgia course, and the Jefferson Barracks course; these courses are challenging and have nice scenery,” said Dominick. Although Dominick has his favorite courses, there are also courses he dislikes. “I really didn’t like the Warrenton course because it was too flat and it made me feel like I wasn’t getting anywhere,” exclaimed Dominick.
There have been many influences on Dominick, as well. Dominick views Seth Schenck as a huge inspiration during his cross country seasons. “My greatest influence to run is Seth Schenck. He is definitely both a good leader and role-model,” revealed Dominick. “I miss Seth. He was never cocky, or super competitive, and even though he was the best, he was still a team player.” This is Dominick’s first year running without Seth to keep him in check. So, Dominick has been keeping himself motivated and determined on his own. Of course, Mr.Tucker also had an impact on Dominick throughout his cross country career. “Mr. Tucker is great. He has a good sense of humor, but he is also serious when he needs to be. He is very understanding; also, he runs in practice with the team.”
This year, Dominick earned first place at districts in Bowling Green. He makes sure not to psych himself out before big races like this. Dominick has gone to state every year in high school, and this was his last year. State can be nerve racking for everyone, but Dominick can keep a level head. “Before any big race I like to relax, jog, and focus on my breathing. I also remind myself that it’s just another race and to just do my best.”
Dominick’s last meet was at State at Oak Hills Golf Center. He ran with a time of 18:45.71. Dominick finished with hugs and cheers waiting for him at the end. The team finished in 4th, receiving a team trophy, and individual medals. Dominick was glad to finish 4th as a team, but was sad to see his season end.
Dominick is going to miss running cross country for New Haven, but he had some advice for future runners. “Always do your best, never get a big head, and train during the off season.” Dominick plans to attend meets after he graduates and will always remember the memories he made with his teammates and his coach.
-by Alex Madden
There have been many influences on Dominick, as well. Dominick views Seth Schenck as a huge inspiration during his cross country seasons. “My greatest influence to run is Seth Schenck. He is definitely both a good leader and role-model,” revealed Dominick. “I miss Seth. He was never cocky, or super competitive, and even though he was the best, he was still a team player.” This is Dominick’s first year running without Seth to keep him in check. So, Dominick has been keeping himself motivated and determined on his own. Of course, Mr.Tucker also had an impact on Dominick throughout his cross country career. “Mr. Tucker is great. He has a good sense of humor, but he is also serious when he needs to be. He is very understanding; also, he runs in practice with the team.”
This year, Dominick earned first place at districts in Bowling Green. He makes sure not to psych himself out before big races like this. Dominick has gone to state every year in high school, and this was his last year. State can be nerve racking for everyone, but Dominick can keep a level head. “Before any big race I like to relax, jog, and focus on my breathing. I also remind myself that it’s just another race and to just do my best.”
Dominick’s last meet was at State at Oak Hills Golf Center. He ran with a time of 18:45.71. Dominick finished with hugs and cheers waiting for him at the end. The team finished in 4th, receiving a team trophy, and individual medals. Dominick was glad to finish 4th as a team, but was sad to see his season end.
Dominick is going to miss running cross country for New Haven, but he had some advice for future runners. “Always do your best, never get a big head, and train during the off season.” Dominick plans to attend meets after he graduates and will always remember the memories he made with his teammates and his coach.
-by Alex Madden
RSS Feed