Tanner Mammolenti is one of Penn High School’s fastest runners. He plans to lead Penn deep into state this year through hard work and dedication.
What are your goals for your final season on the Penn XC and Track Team?
My goals for the XC and Track season are to help my team advance as far as possible in the state tournament while achieving the best possible times I can.
How does training at Penn enable you to reach your goals?
Training at Penn has given me access to the best possible coaches and training facilities to help me achieve my goals.
Have you felt growth as a person from participating in your sports?
Yes, participating in my sport has definitely helped me grow as a person.
What are your goals for the future after high school?
To continue running through college and to see how far my skills take me.
What has been your proudest moment or achievement in running so far?
My proudest moment in running was being able to run in the state finals where I contributed to Penn placing the highest we had in many many years.
Who has been your biggest influence or mentor in your running career, and what have you learned from them?
My biggest influences in running have been my brother Brayden (Mammolenti), and Coaches T Milly, C Wetty, and Stark. My brother helped me develop into the runner I am today by fixing and tweaking the little things, and my coaches by supporting and always being there for me.
Can you walk us through your typical training routine? How do you prepare both mentally and physically for competitions?
My typical training plan included 50-mile weeks and other routines and stretches all laid out by Coach Miller, to help us stay healthy and run as fast as possible. The training certainly helps me prepare physically for my races. Mentally I’m prepared by trying to maintain a positive mindset and surrounding myself with my teammates who help to lift each other and support each other.
What makes XC season so special?
The team and teammates. We are very competitive and push each other to get better. For example, me and Jack Ryan normally race together and while I normally win, the idea of losing to someone like him motivates me to be better.
What has been your proudest moment or achievement in track and field so far?
My proudest moment in track and field came when I beat one of the best runners (Bol Agwick) in the sectionals last year.
What advice would you give to aspiring runners who are looking to improve their performance?
My advice to a new runner would be to be confident in yourself and your abilities, but also to remember to have fun and enjoy the small moments along the way. You can take running seriously without stressing yourself out and still have fun.
