Salute to Seniors, Jared Grossi, Hendricken
Jared Grossi was among several key runners for Bishop Hendricken this season in their state title victory. Grossi made it to the podium in the 100m and 200m and was also a leg on the first-place 4x100m relay. He owns a personal best of 10.90 in the shorter event, which he did to win the Schomp Invitational. His PB for the half-lapper is his winning 22.20 clocking at last month's Hendricken Invitationnal.
Q.What was your most memorable performance?
A. My most memorable performance was winning the 4x400 at the Classical Classic. This may not have been a major victory but it was a time where each member of the relay performed at his best. There was nothing more exciting than when we crossed the finish line in first place and celebrated as a relay. This may not have been my best race of my track career but it was certainly the most memorable because it marked the time where I realized that the members of this team were truly my brothers and I could accomplish anything with them.
A. My most difficult obstacle to overcome was definitely when I broke my ankle at the beginning of the 2015 outdoor season. I was given a chance to run on the Varsity 4x100 and I just starting to realize my true potential. One day at practice, a handoff did not go as planned and a hospital visit along with surgery resulted. This was difficult to overcome mainly because it left me questioning future success. Would I make it back on the relay? Would I even be able to compete well in the future? All of these questions running through my mind severely hurt my confidence.
Q. What advice would you give to younger athletes?
A. My advice to younger athletes is never give up and always give a complete effort. As a freshman, I was one of, if not the slowest member of the track team. As a result, I did not even bother to run in the state meet my freshman year and I took sophomore year off. This is one of my biggest regrets, as taking this time limited my exposure to the sport. Junior year I realized that I needed to do a sport, as it was part of the full high school experience. So, I decided to make a complete commitment to track, deciding that I would attend every single practice and give 100% effort. Looking back, if I had this mindset freshman year, I would have seen success much earlier. No matter how tough a workout is, or how weak you feel, not giving up is what defines true success.
Q. What will you miss most?
A. I will definitely miss the team most. Throughout the past years, I have become so close to every member of the team, meeting some of my best friends along the way. I know that I am going to miss everyone in college and can't wait to come back and visit. The trips that we have attended as a team are some of my best memories in life.
Q. What are your future plans?
A. As of now, I am running at Providence College next year. I hope to improve on the level of success I have seen this year and be an impactful member of the team.
Q. What influence has your coach (or
coaches) had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
A. The influence that my coaches have had on me is beyond belief. Had the superb coaching not been an aspect of this team, I know for a fact that I would not have stuck with the sport. Whether I had a good or bad race, I knew that no matter what my coaches would support me. One of my best memories in life was after a bad race. Coach Lourenco approached me, and I was clearly angry and disappointed with myself. He said to me "I still believe in you even when you don't believe in yourself." This impacted me immensely, as I suddenly realized that no matter what I had someone who believed in what I was capable of. Without the support of every coach on the team, I would not be the person I am today.
Q.. Who would you like to say Thank You?
A. I would like to thank my parents and every
supporter I have had along the way. After my freshman year of track, and how
poorly it went, the only people who still knew I could be successful were my
parents. They consistently told me that I will be successful at whatever I put
my mind to. And they were right. I would also like to thank all of my friends
along the way who have pushed me to never give up and encouraged me to push myself.