Name: Gavin Stevens
High School: Northern Calvert
What was your most memorable race/throw/jump/vault/moment? Why is that?
My track 5k at the Seahawk Invitational. Huge PR in the pouring rain and breaking the school record. Getting to hug my coach after the race and celebrate with my team.
Was there a certain moment or breakthrough race/meet when you realized you would be able to compete at a high level?
Indoor nationals my senior year when I competed in the SMR with my team. I ran the 800 leg and my team got out beautifully putting me in the top two. This race stood out to me because it was the first time I truly believed in myself to beat the kid in first, I beat him on a lean last second and it felt amazing to have my team right there celebrating.
What are some bumps in the road that you've encountered when it comes to training for different events during the season?
I got my first stress fracture during my freshman year at the end of cross country. I got another one at the end of my sophomore year and a third at the beginning of my senior year.
If you are writing a letter to your younger freshman self, what advice might you give them?
Recovery is just as important as training. If you don't recover you can't train.
If you had to pick: Track and Field or Cross Country, why? (If you only run Track, then don't worry about explaining why).
Cross country, I love the longer distance races and how it requires more mental strength. Due to us all running the same race, The family aspect of it all is amazing. Plus the challenge of the course, it's not just a flat track, each course hits different people in different ways.
What are your post-high school or college plans? If Running in college, explain why you picked that school.
I'm going to continue running at the D1 level at High Point University for cross country and track. It was hard to narrow down a school but I ultimately made the decision that would be best for me and my family.
What is your favorite pre-race snack, tradition, etc.?
My favorite prerace snack is a cinnamon raisin bagel with peanut butter. Tradition wise I always do jumps before I race.
Name the top Maryland Cross Country or Track moment(s) you have witnessed. Can be by level of greatness or just something that really stood out to you.
Most recently Carter Knox laid himself out at states in the 800 to come first.
Who would you like to say "thank you" to?
My family, my teammates throughout the years, and my coach Dawson for all he did for me, all he guided me through not just in running but in life.
Is there anything else you would like to mention that stands out to you over the past 4 years?
How amazing the Maryland running community is. I've been to different states to run and none of those guys come close to the way competitors in Maryland truly respect one another.
