Athlete of the Month: Szymczak strives to improve during second year in cross country
After participating in cross country for a year, sophomore Deven Szymczak hopes to continue refining his skills.
October 3, 2022
Every month, we recognize two student athletes, one from a boys team and another from a girls team for their performance on the field. This month, we recognized sophomore Deven Szymczak.
Szymczak, who began cross country in ninth grade, is now competing on the Birmingham Community Charter High School JV cross country team.
Q: What do you enjoy about being in cross country? Why?
A: I enjoy trying to make new friends there and trying to be fast enough to win.
Q: What goals do you have for cross country? Why those specific goals?
A: The goals I have are to get better at my times and races that way I can prove to myself that I can be faster than I was before.
Q: What motivated you to join?
A: My parents suggested it and since I was good at running, I decided to join so I could try my skills out.
Q: What are the challenges of managing school and cross country?
A: It’s not that challenging. I go during my fourth period so it is easy to manage.
Q: Do you plan on continuing cross country next year? If so, why or why not?
A: I’m good at cross country and I want to keep it as a part of my schedule.
Q: What position do you play on the team?
A: I am on the sophomore team. We do random exercises most times. Sometimes we stay on the track and do street runs.
Q: How long have you been in cross country?
A: I’ve been in cross country since ninth grade. Then I did track in between and now I am back in cross country.
