Andrew Gavin
Andrew Gavin is finding his way through cross country Rachel Everett, Staff Writer
Junior Andrew Gavin strives to achieve more in every race.
Photo by Tim Davis
Cross country is often considered an individual sport that few people take part in, but behind the curtain of individuality, there are strong team bonds, road trips, and more. In the middle of Northview’s cross country team is junior Andrew Gavin.
After being pushed towards running competitively in 8th grade by his dad, Gavin discovered his love for the sport. Prior to running competitively, Gavin ran in community 5ks but never really pursued it further. He eventually realized his passion for the sport and tried out for the high school team.
Every sport requires training, and cross country is no different. Each summer, prior to the beginning of school, Gavin runs long miles in order to increase his endurance. Then, as the season progresses during the fall, he works on becoming faster. Typically, this training would be a time to meet with the team but due to COVID-19, the team had to adapt. When team practices could no longer happen, they created a text chain encouraging everyone to begin running and working out. This helped increase team comradery even when they could not be together.
“We thought, hey, if we’re not going to be together as a team, [we] might as well push each other even if we can’t run together,” Gavin said.
Gavin’s take on this training is not much different. Similar to most people at home during quarantine, he has discovered a good outlet for all that pent up energy: his runs. These runs are both a part of his training and a way to forget the world for a little bit, providing him the opportunity to destress.
Throughout his time in training and competitive running, Gavin’s family has been a steadfast part of his life. His father, Michael Gavin, was also a runner in high school. This experience allows for Michael Gavin to help his son, whether it be through aiding with training or supporting him on the sidelines. His father has seen Gavin grow throughout his running career and has continued to assist him.
“Andrew is learning that a distance runner gets out of the sport what he puts into it. Distance running requires commitment and consistency. I've truly enjoyed watching him get faster as he's put more work into his training,” M. Gavin said.
Even though cross country is not a contact sport, it is a mentally and physically challenging one. Runners must be in shape and in good health in order to run long distances. Additionally, if a runner is not in shape mentally, running may become difficult. Gavin really enjoys the mental part of the sport and works on that aspect of training as well. Gavin mentally trains by practicing and running races while also making sure he stays with the pack of runners.
“Cross country gets a bad rap for not being a nitty-gritty contact sport but it’s probably one of the most mentally challenging sports and that’s what I really like about it.”
His teammates certainly take note of his positive attitude and kind heart. He is always a team player and cheers on other runners along the sidelines.
“I believe he helps the team, especially before we are about to run in a meet. He will get us hype and he always cheers us on from the sidelines,” sophomore Samuel Bradley said.
Gavin’s favorite memory of cross country focuses on the out-of-town trips, specifically one trip in his freshmen year. The Northview team went to Disney World and competed at their sports complex. The team ended up winning the race, making Gavin’s first season the most memorable yet.
While he’s not running, Gavin enjoys different hobbies such as photography and playing guitar. A few of his favorite places to take pictures include his grandparents’ beach house in Florida and his own backyard. These photos end up on his photography Instagram account. He has tried to work towards writing songs but ends up covering songs or riffing against background tracks.
As Gavin’s senior year approaches, he’s focusing more and more on future career aspirations. He enjoys both business and law and hopes to become a financial lawyer. Even though COVID-19 has stopped the possibility of college visits, in the spring, Gavin and his dad still plan to look at different colleges up in the Northeast. Some of these include NYU, Fordham, and some Boston colleges.
Through cross country, Gavin has found a way to make it through quarantine. From working on old hobbies and connecting with new teammates, he knows that running will always remain a substantial part of his life.
“The biggest thing about being apart of the team is just a sense of belonging. It’s a really good place to vent. I know after long days when I have practice, I always run my best,” Gavin said.
