Oliver Dvorak is in 12th grade and runs for the Penn Cross Country and Track & Field teams.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
Fun fact, I was in the play “Oliver” when I was 8
What is your pre-game snack?
I normally eat a couple pieces of toast the morning before going to the bus. Then normally half a granola bar about an hour and a half before.
What are you most excited about for your senior year of school and cross country?
I’m really excited for all of the incredible races and practices, and to get to spend some more time with my incredible teammates and coaches before the end of the year.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I mean I barely know what I’m eating for lunch today. But I’d say in ten years I hope to be starting up my career in whatever non-stem based area I end up going into in college.
What’s your favorite part about pasta parties?
The incredible atmosphere. Getting to spend quality time with my teammates, playing games and eating good food, makes these parties some of my favorite memories that I’ve made in these 4 years.
In your opinion what makes a good cross country team?
Teamwork. While it might seem very individual on the outside it is a actually a very teammate dependant sport. Whether that is pushing each other in races or running with groups in practice, teamwork is vital to a cross country team. And can make good runners great and great runners elite.
How do you keep calm during a race?
Once I’m in my pack, I start settle into my groove and the race slows down a bit. That really only lasts for about a kilometer though, before I gotta start going at the 3k.
What is your favorite course and why?
Ox Bow is just the best. It’s not the fastest or our home course. But it is the one we run the most. I set my first PR there, and some of my favorite memories have taken place at Ox Bow.
What made you get into cross country?
Well I was kind of tired of getting destroyed as a 140 pound tight end in football and I had run the mile/800 in the spring. I had really enjoyed the atmosphere on the team and the coaching staff seemed really amazing so I made the decision to switch to XC.
What is some good advice for incoming runners?
Stick around and give this team and sport a chance. Not only will you make incredible friends but you will become resilient and strong.
Do you see yourself doing any other sports and why?
I might join an intramural team in college for flag football, or basketball.
