Mason Coppi '16 Recruiting Profile

My teammates describe me as borderline “insane.” My parents would say I am “driven” (which just recently replaced the word “stubborn” as I have found a better outlet for this quality). My coaches say they are inspired by the “heart” I show on and off the track. I will let you decide what adjectives I deserve. I would say I am just like any other athlete that wants to know how far and how fast they can run in high school, college and beyond.

I started running just before entering my freshman year of high school. My favorite quote is from Jerry Rice, “Today I will do what others won't, so tomorrow I can accomplish what others can't.” I look forward to training harder and running longer distances in college. Right now my team trains between 45 -60 miles per week. I try to make the most of those miles and focus on the little things. I excel through endurance rather than speed. I won my first half marathon last spring in 1:14 without training for that distance. So you can probably guess that I am looking forward to the longer races in college. 

I find inspiration in Emil Zatopek. Some used to say I looked like him as I crossed the finish line, but that has changed as I continue to focus on the little things. Improving my kick and breaking 9:00 in the 3200M are top focuses for the upcoming season. I am 1 of 4 team captains this year and enjoy being part of a team. In college I hope to study sports performance so that I can some day help other athletes like me achieve what others would believe to be "impossible."