Why Run? Testimonials from Past BKW Athletes (Names Withheld)

• "Running has had an important impact in my life. It's led me to meet a lot of new people and make new friends as well as give me discipline that helps me in other parts of my life such as school and work."

• "Running track and field throughout high school and college has taught me that nothing but hard work, dedication, practice and love for what you do, can help you meet your goals and bring you to the levels you strive to achieve."

• The years I spent as a runner for BKW were the formative years of my life and made me who I am today. Under the tutelage of coaches Walter Eaton and Fred Marcil I learned that a solid work ethic and hard work you can accomplish nearly anything. I cannot say enough about what BKW cross country and track has done for me.

• "Yes, track played a pretty influential role in my life. It taught me to be dedicated and to work as a team. As captain of the track team at school for two years, it helped me to develop my leadership skills and learn how to encourage others and help them to do their best."

• "Yes, I really couldn't imagine my life without running competitively. All of my best friends, memories, accomplishments, etc... have come from Track and XC."

• "Cross country and track are amazing sports that have significantly impacted my life. Running has taught me how to be disciplined, how to endure and how to challenge myself. It has provided me with a sense of what true comradery is all about, as everyone in the sport seems to respect and support one another. Running has brought me some of my happiest moments, paired with my most depressing ones. Consequently, I believe that it has shaped the person I am today, and taught me a lot about myself. A special thanks to coaches, family, friends and the community for all of their support throughout my career."

• "I am currently a member of the NYRR (New York Road Runners) and participate in a lot of races and events held in New York City while I'm in Optometry School. Since high school, I have shaved off about a minute and a half in my mile time. Who knows what the future will bring, but I'm constantly pushing my limits. That's what it's all about!  My time at BKW has instilled a value and discipline for exercise that will last me for a lifetime. Thank you so much!"

• "It was great running with you guys for the year that I was there. The team was always very encouraging and fun, and the coaches always helped the athletes to do their best."

•  "Cross country and track & field taught me about the importance of teamwork and leadership. I like to think that it certainly has made me a better athlete, and more importantly a better person. Luckily, BKW had a extremely integral part of any sport program, which is a skillfully trained coaching staff. Keep up the good work!"

• "Track and Field at B-K-W with amazing Coaches including Mr. Tindale, Mrs. Zuk, Mr. McConnelee, and Mr. Bunzey made me love the sport."

• "While running on cross-country and track and field teams, I learned the importance of teamwork, and learned first hand that hard work pays off as I watched my teammates, as well as myself, improve throughout the seasons. I also made life long friendships while participating on the cross-country and track and field teams."

• "I still compete at the state and National level in the throwing events. The javelin is my best event. I compete in the Empire Games Open division every year.  I ran X-Cty at BKW, and I still like to run today. Track and Field has become a life sport for me."

• XC and Track gave me a chance to see the country and do things that no one really planned on me doing. That was huge for me coming from a low income family and spending my early childhood being told by doctors I couldn't be active.

•  Clearly, participating in Track and Cross-Country were the backbone of my development during High School. I still remember the people that I met, the meets, the competition, and the discipline it took to be a competitive runner. All of this training and development translated into a strong work ethic that has had a positive impact in my life over the past 20 years.

• Cross Country was one of the biggest impacts on my life and one of the greatest experiences of my high school career. When I first started I understood I had a team but I thought the main focus was on my individual running. Once I started training and becoming serious about running, I learned you had to focus on yourself because that is what contributed to your team, and the outcome of your teams success. Cross country taught me how to push myself and my limits but also to help the teammates around me so we could become one. The best thing that came from this sport is realizing I have a family that I will always be connected to, and accepted by. Synergy.

• Physical fitness has always been a big part of my life. It has helped me complete US Army Basic Training and the US Secret Service Police Academy. I have fond memories of my years at BKW and with my teammates on the Track/Cross Country teams. Coach Eaton and Coach Marcil gave great insight into life and how to accomplish your goals.

• Both sports impacted my life in so many numerous ways I could sit here all day listing the ways. Most importantly, it gave me the friends of a lifetime and something to strive towards everyday for the rest of my life.

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