Dutch Fork sophomore Avery Dominick talks about having one of the top times in the state this season and near the top of sophomore national rankings.
Name: Avery Dominick
Personal bests: 5K-15:14, 3200-9:35, 1600-4:35, 800-2:04
Hobbies: lots of running, some swimming and biking, attending church and youth group, and being with friends and teammates. I love to do anything outdoors and active!
Academic interest: I thoroughly enjoy my history and sports medicine classes
Photo by Rebekah Doar for scrunners.com
How did you get involved in the sport and why?
Since I was a child I always loved to be outdoors and always moving. I remember I always had the drive to be the fastest out of all my friends, and I enjoyed good competition and a challenge. By the recommendation of my mom, who is a former runner from the University of Kansas, I ran with a recreational track team at the age of about 7. My mom coached our track team and she fueled my passion for the sport. The older I got, the higher in distance I moved up, until I joined Dutch Fork cross country my seventh grade year in 2011. Since then, its been history.
Do you have any family members involved in the sport? Please explain.
My mom, Elisha "Lish” ran in high school, and for the University of Kansas. My dad, Elliott, has recently in the past few years completed two marathons and multiple half marathons.
What roles do you have on the team this year?
Throughout the season, I have made it my effort to represent Dutch Fork well and set a high standard for my teammates. Our team has LOTS of depth, and I do my best to start a dynasty of runners with Coach (Barry) Lindler by setting a good example daily and showing what hard work looks like.
What goals do you have for the rest of the season?
This season holds many possibilities that make me very excited! I have already beaten my time goal for the season at the Low Country Invitational with an memorable race full of remarkable competition, running a 15:14 in the 5K. I wish to keep gaining fitness and run a solid 15:30 or faster at Sandhills by the end of the season, and be an extreme competitor for the state title.
Do you have any post season cross country meets planned?
Following state, I would love to compete at Foot Locker and hopefully be able to run even faster! I am interested in doing a few half marathons to keep my fitness up as well following Foot Locker.
Do you have a specific race strategy that works best for you?
The strategy in racing that works best for me, is to run with a feel. I always go out wishing to run a hard, gutsy race.
What do you enjoy about the Dutch Fork team and being on the course with them daily?
Dutch Fork is an amazing family that I feel extremely blessed to be a part of. My favorite part about the team would have to be our close knit relationships with each other, like a brotherhood. I find extreme fulfillment in running hard with my varsity brothers day in and day out, and being trained by the best coach possible, Coach (Barry) Lindler.
What plans do you have for the future?
In the future I am excited to go to college and get an education. I wish to continue progressing and enjoying the sport of running, and be able to run for the rest of my life. I would love to be a missionary one day and help the least of these find life and Jesus Christ.
Are you looking to run at a college?
I am indeed looking to run in college! It would be a dream come true to run for the University of Oregon one day or Clemson University.
Do you remember your first race?
I remember my first official race with Dutch Fork very well. I ran a 20:11 at the Run Wild Festival at the Sesquicentennial State Park. I was very nervous but had one of the best days of my life.
How did summer training go?
This past summer, I was blessed to have an injury free and healthy summer with some remarkable training from Coach Lindler. I did lots of cross training in addition to my running workouts, and was able to build a very strong base.
Did your training change from last summer?
My training this summer definitely changed from last summer. This summer, I trained a lot smarter, with a lot more consistency.
What does it mean to you to be ranked near the top in S.C. and one of the top sophomores in the nation?
The rankings this year have certainly been a confidence booster, and racing at the top level of the state has defiantly been a humbling and maturing experience. I will continue to have the eye of the tiger and be proud of where hard work has brought me. Being a top sophomore in the nation alongside two of my best friends Jackson Ellenburg and Ben Gilman is an honor beyond expression and only inspires me to run harder.
What do you remember the most from being a runner?
From running, I will always be able to reflect back and remember that success comes from hard work and faith. If you want something, you go and get it, despite what you or other people think is possible.
Do you have a pre-race tradition? Please explain.
My only pre-race tradition is saying a quick prayer before stepping on the line.
How do you balance academics, athletics and other responsibilities?
Balancing out my priorities is definitely a challenge, but I enjoy it. I try and stay organized and utilize the free time I have in school to complete any assignments to ensure that my grades stay strong.
Do you have a specific motivation for this season?
My motivation this season comes from my teammates and my coach as we aim to take titles together. I also am motivated by many individual goals.
What challenges or injuries have you encountered in the sport? How did you stay motivated during this time?
Luckily, I have not been injury prone. Although, last season I came across an iron deficiency which led me to collapsing in the state meet. Staying motivated was VERY hard during that moment, but however, I was aware of what I wanted from my future. I got my iron levels back up and was a smarter, and more motivated runner.
If there is one thing in the world you could do, what would it be and why?
If there was one thing in the world I could do, I would save a life.
Favorite runner(s): Steve Prefontaine, Galen Rupp, Mo Farah, Ryan Hall, Roland Hakes.
Favorite training shoe and racing shoe: Nike air Pegasus 31, and Nike zoom victory track and XC spikes!
Inspirational person in your life: Jesus.
Favorite food: Chocolate chip pancakes!! :))
Favorite bands: U2
Favorite quote: "To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift." -Steve Prefontaine.