Track & Field

Next Up in the 400M: Keagan Zaber

by
Michael Holmes
October 22, 2024

This is a black and white photograph of a young man posing against a wall. He has curly hair and is wearing a soccer uniform

It is no secret that Penn High School prides itself on student-athletes. With some of the best programs and coaches in the state, year-round, there are countless ways to become a better athlete. Keagan Zaber is a prime example of someone who takes advantage of the opportunities at Penn to better himself as an athlete.

Last track season, Zaber was an alternate in the 4x400M relay. This relay team went to state and finished in the top 15. Though he didn’t run in the race, Zaber says the experience of being on a state-caliber team was something he “really cherished.”

This offseason, Zaber has already started on his grind to get better. In addition to the games and conditioning that go along with playing for the Penn boys’ soccer team, he lifts regularly and does plenty of cardio. He also takes advantage of the speed program on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

Most high school students find excuses to not show up to early morning events like speed workouts. Zaber could easily be one of these people. With four brothers and working parents, it’s not easy to get rides, so he often relies on others. For most mornings, Will Sidorwicz provides rides. As a teammate of Zaber in both track and soccer, the two have a strong bond.

Sidowricz claims, “His pure focus as we head into this next season is astonishing, especially while balancing speed training, weights, and soccer. He’s always looking to get better and I really respect that. It’s going to be a dogfight for the 4x400M this season.”

Sidorwicz is a fellow 400M-runner and long-time friend of Zaber. The two competed in several meets together. They are both looking to secure spots on this year’s 4x400M relay. These

spots are highly sought-after within the Penn track team. Only the top athletes are capable of being four of the top 400M runners.

As a part of Zaber’s offseason training, he runs several miles and lifts for an hour, five days a week. This keeps his endurance up while still building muscle. In a race like the 400M, these two factors set the good apart from the great. It sets Keagan apart from every other runner.

Coaches have already taken notice of Zaber’s work. He was one of the first people to earn a “Want To” band from Coach Cates this year. This band signifies that Coach Cates acknowledged Zaber as an athlete with strong qualities such as leadership, determination, and hard work. Whether it’s the weight room, the soccer field, or the track, these qualities are always on full display.