Demetri Panici '16 Recruiting Profile

My name is Demetri Panici and I am a junior attending Lincoln-Way North High School in Frankfort, Illinois. I am a captain and starter for our school’s varsity middle-distance running program. Ever since I began my career in track my freshmen year I have valued the importance of excelling both academically and athletically. I am committed to maintaining my honor roll status and achieving my personal goals in the classroom. I carry on that commitment onto the track field every day after class, knowing that I have the mental fortitude to overcome any obstacle that my life and my competition throw in my way. This is why I have been able to overcome countless setbacks as I have grown as both a student and an athlete.

My freshman year I took the coaches and runners by surprise when I was able to compete at a varsity level. I already had within my innate talent and personal drive that allowed me to make a case for myself early into my career. I was able to run the 800 meter event and received a varsity letter for my contribution to the team. My sophomore year I was able to improve my 800 meter time by 5 seconds, ending with a time of 2:01. This time set the school’s outdoor record and landed me second place in the SWSC conference meet. I received all-conference honors for my accomplishments that year. After track season sophomore year I joined the cross-country team in the hopes of increasing my endurance. It also gave me a lot of general running knowledge that I was able to apply track this season. My contributions helped the cross-country team attend their first state finals appearance, and the season ended with me receiving all-conference honors. My personal record of 15:59 in the 3 mile state finals was gave me that confidence I needed moving into my junior year of track.

I learned what it truly means to be part of the team and not run for myself during sophomore year. I also strived to be the top 800 meter runner in the state, a goal that I am moving towards. A huge milestone I hit happened at a SWSC conference meet held at Olivet Nazarane University. I was able to accomplish a time of 1:58:17 and was ranked top 10 in the state for 800 meters. I finished my first indoor track meet with a first place finish and a time that crushed my last personal record. My focus on technique and strong work ethic has allowed me to rapidly climb in rankings, but I still am striving towards an all-state finish. My hopes are to take my talent and mindset to the collegiate level. The infrastructure and wealth of knowledge of a reputable college could be the catalyst of my success on the track.
I believe I am a well-rounded individual, as I take part in other scholastic activates. Since my freshman year I received all-conference honors and competed in the IHSA state chess tournament as a part of my school's chess team. I also have taken part in my schools music program by taking choir all of my years of high school. I believe that true happiness and success can only be attained by putting in the time and effort. In order to keep myself balanced I have these activates to give myself a mental break. I do this because I love every aspect about running and I know the importance of not burning myself out academically or athletically.

I hope that you will consider me to be a part of your school and a member of its track and field program. Thank you for taking the time to read my track profile.