Clark LaLomia
Quaker Valley
Junior
Favorite XC Course: White Oak Park
What are your goals for this cross-country season?
My main goals individually are to break the school record for the 5k which is 15:33.66 and to place top 10 at states, as a team we would like to take runner up at the WPIAL meet and try to be near there at states.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from cross-country running?
Just how to stay dedicated and consistent when you’re down or sore, you can put in hard work and miles but if you don’t maintain and continue to grind even when it hurts most you won’t see the results you want.
What strategies do you use to maintain a positive mindset during a race?
I try to just put myself in a position to take the least possible points I can because I know my teammates behind me are all pushing themselves to their limits too, once you can race for the team benefit rather than just yourself you can dig much deeper.
How do you support and encourage your teammates during races?
I try to offer as much guidance as I possibly can, making sure to listen to how they are feeling and just support them no matter what is key to having as strong of a bond as we do.
What strategies or techniques do you use to mentally prepare yourself before a race?
I just remind myself that physical pain is temporary, but knowing that you didn’t push yourself as hard as you possibly could have lingers in your mind for a long time.
Do you have any pre-race rituals or superstitions that you follow for good luck or to get in the right mindset?
I always try to spend time with my teammates the night before a race, knowing that they are the people that will suffer alongside me for the team’s goals makes them really calming and helps to take away any nerves.
How do you handle race-day nerves and anxiety? Do you have any pre-race rituals or techniques to help you stay calm and focused?
Anytime I’m feeling nervous I just think about why I’m feeling that way, which is normally because expectations are high. I like the quote “You don’t rise to the occasion; you sink to the level of your training” because I know and trust that the work, I have put in will take me to where I want to be.
Junior Clark LaLomia has stepped up as the leader of the Quaker Valley boys’ cross-country team this year. In 2023, Clark’s achievements really stand out among the boys in the WPIAL. He’s been a part of 7 major invitationals, where he ran under 16 minutes four times and secured top-three finishes in six of them. His 1st place victory at the MAC XC Championships was a remarkable feat, which boosted his confidence going into this postseason.
This year, Clark has gained the most race experience among the boys in the AA field, making him a strong contender at the WPIAL finals. It’s clear that he’s on track to represent Quaker Valley well at the PIAA XC Championships in Hershey, PA in November, likely with a medal draped around his neck.
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