Zachary Spurrier '21 Recruiting Profile

I am one of the most hark working, flexible and determined athletes on my Track and Field team at Middletown High School. When my coach says, "run", I ask, "how far?" This trait often places me in running events I never would have considered for based on talent alone. My dependability and drive to do my best no matter what stems from an upbringing rooted in faith, farming and traditional values, and will ultimately enable me to reach my goal of becoming a robotic engineer. 

My athletic career started at 6 years old as a soccer player for an AYSO recreation soccer league. Over my 8 years as a soccer player, I played every position on the field, being put where I was needed. I thought soccer was where I was supposed to be in high school, until a family vacation fell at the same time as  tryouts. So, I joined the cross country team instead and began my love of running. This choice wasn't random, as my father ran cross country in high school and my cousin ran for Monmouth University. When I started my training, in the summer before freshman year, I wasn't in the best shape. I could barely run two miles without stopping, but as I kept working I began to get better and more confident. My first race freshman year I ran a 22:09 for a 5K and was ranked 12th on my team, and though I was happy with how I did, I knew I had to get better. By the end of the year I was able to drop my time to 19:04.8 for a 3 mile, and I was 10th on my team, qualifying me as a regional team alternate, and was named Most Improved Freshman for my team.  I was hooked, running indoor and outdoor track on the varsity team, lettering for both. Sophomore was pretty static - I got some PR's, was number 3 varsity in cross county, and remained varsity for both indoor and outdoor track, but I will admit I got frustrated because I wasn't hitting the goals I set for myself. In response to this, I knew I had to step it up; the top two runners from cross country were graduating seniors, and I needed to fill the role of top varsity runner. I worked hard the summer before Junior year and I attended Smokey Mountain Running Camp, where I learned about form, diet, and the science behind running all while meeting new people who shared my love for running and competition.  Junior year, I watched as my hard work paid off, dropping PR's left and right, and using my leadership to become Team Captain of my cross country team. As senior year comes around, I plan to work hard and encourage my fellow teammates to work with me in hopes of getting myself, as well as my team, to states. 

Outside of Running I am an active member of my school's FFA chapter, an honor student, and the President of my 4-H club. My hobbies include robotics, raising animals for the fair, and spending time with friends and family. I also participate in national and international competitions while a part of my CAD Engineering class while at school.