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Dyestat IL talks with Aryan Avant
One of the key cogs to the Wildcat track machine, Aryan Avant readies himself for his final campaign in Naperville in hopes of a team championship.
Michael Newman - Dyestat Illinois
In this day where there is more me than we, the exception to the rule is Naperville Neuqua Valley sprinter Aryan Avant. The Wildcats placed 2nd at last year's state meet. One of the main reasons to that result was Avant's selfless approach to the meet.
"When we talk with other members of our team about what Aryan did at the state meet last year, we rarely mention performances and places," Neuqua Valley Head Coach Mike Kennedy said. "What we do mention is how he was willing to sacrifice a performance in the open 400 and his body for the good of the team. This helped to unite our team and it has other Neuqua athletes asking what they can do for the team as well."
In 2010, Avant will be one of the top runners in the 400 meters. "He has an aggressive approach to the raceand is able to respond well to the competition," stated Kennedy.
This student-athlete graciously gave us a few minutes of his busy schedule to answer a few questions before the start of the track campaign.
What kind of team goals do you have for the upcoming season?
The most important team goal that I have is to make the team a family. The team comes first, then the success will quickly follow. We want to try to create a bonding experience for the new guys and show them that this is a family, and that everyone has an important role. Sure we want to qualify a good amount of guys at the sectional meet and show out at the state meet, but we are just looking forward to having a good time as team.
What kind of individual goals have you set for yourself?
To tell you the truth, I only have two goals as of now, and they are to drop a good amount of time off of my quarter time, and to bring home a 1st place team trophy.
You should have a great 4x4 this year...a chance to go after the state record. Are you and your teammates excited about that prospect?
We are most definitely excited about our 4x400m relay, however it seems that there is more excitement in the four guys running for the fourth spot on our relay; Evan Jackson, Matt Wytaiz, Parker Howard, and Steven Carron. They all are really competing for the fourth spot. Of course Cale Brown, Jamere Morrison and I are ready to go, we are just waiting for that key person.
Have you looked at moving into the 800? You ran a great split at the state meet last year.
I have contemplated moving into the 800m run, but I feel that I have a better chance in any meet in the 400m dash . Instead of running the open 800m run, my coaches are going to keep me in the 4x800m relay, so I will indeed get to run a couple eights this season.
Who has been your biggest inspiration in running?
My biggest inspiration in running goes to two men in particular, Mike Kennedy my head coach and my Uncle Steve Wilkinson. They are there for me whenever I need a pep talk, or need any inspiration, and their love propels me into greater things. Of course there are my other coaches such as David Ricca, Steve Saul, Matt Ragusa, and James Janota, but I feel that those two stick out the most.
Who has been your biggest inspiration in the classroom?
In the classroom I would have to say my mom Demetria Avant, she is easily one of the biggest people in my life, both as a parent, and as a teacher outside of the classroom. If there is anything that I don’t understand, I can go ask her, and she will either know the answer or help me find it.
What area of the 400 do you think you need to improve on the most?
My start by far is my biggest choke point in my race. I will definitely be working on my start everyday both in and out of the blocks, to see which feels more comfortable, and which one is faster. Have you decided on a school for the fall?
That question comes up a lot when I converse with people. I have not yet found my college of choice but I soon will. My coach wants me to wait until after the state meet, so I will follow his advice and wait awhile.
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