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Logan Locascio: UnrankedPublished by
Logan Locascio stood anxiously on the starting line of the Percy Beard Track at James G. Pressly Stadium, at the University of Florida for the Alachua County Championships. “Alright gentleman!” a track official yells. “Two times around!” As the official gives the final instructions, everything goes quiet. “On your mark.” calls the official. “Set!” Then the gun goes off, with Logan off to the races. He secures a comfortable fifth place position before making his move with 250 meters to go. He slides into fourth but it’s not long before he charges for third. “Go Logan!” a teammate from behind yells. With that extra motivation, Logan passes one more runner (who happened to be a state-placing miler) down the homestretch to finish third in the 800 meters, posting a personal record of 2:04.54.
From that moment on, Logan knew that he could run with some good competition.
Round Two
Gainesville sophomore cross country and track runner Logan Locascio isn’t the type of person most people would see get an athlete feature. He’s never made national headlines. He’s not a state champion, nor a conference champion. He’s virtually unknown. He is however, a kid looking to make some noise for the class of 2017.
With school just days away, Logan is anxious to see old friends, meet new teachers, and is ready to have a great school year. After successful freshman cross country and track seasons, Logan is ready to put his Gainesville Hurricanes uniform back on.
“I thought I did a good job for being a newcomer to the sport,” said Locascio. “This was the first time I had any formal running training. Like everybody, I still have many areas that need improving, but all in all, I was happy with how my year went.”
In cross country, Logan opened the season with a 19:00.80 in the 5000 meters. By the end of the season, Logan ran at the state meet, running 17:36.70. Just a week before he ran a personal record time of 17:28.90 at the region meet. He went on to run his first season of track in the spring, with very promising results. Locascio ran his best time in the 1600 meters, running 4:38.54, right before his impressive 800 meter race which secured his overall personal best in the event.
Now that he’s done running laps, Locascio is eager to get some variation in direction and get back to the grass and dirt.
“I want to go under 17 minutes for the 5K before the first half of cross country season is over and keep improving up through states,” said Locascio. “We have a young team returning, and it would be great to make it back to states for the second straight year.”
Once the running bug bites you, there’s nothing to stop you from wanting to keep going. Locascio has already set his sights for track. He aims to break the two minute barrier in the 800 meters and is shooting for around 4:30, if not sub-4:30, in the 1600 meters.
Above all else, Locascio just want to remain injury free. A great way to start the season.
The Eye Of The Hurricane
A hurricane is formed primarily of three key factors: warm moist air, cool dry air, and clouds. All of that banded together creates what is known as the eye of the hurricane.
Locascio and his teammates are just that - a hurricane (not to mention that’s their school mascot).
“Most of my teammates and I are very close and trusting of one another,” said Locascio. “Last year, we had several departing seniors, both boys and girls, who took us younger runners under their wings. Everyone was so accepting of each other at GHS. It was a great formula for friendship and improvement. We always push each other in practice in a friendly - competition sort of way. Some of us also hang out together outside of running.” Logan is currently on vacation with not only his family, but two teammates along with one of their families. Aside from getting good, hard training in, Locascio and his teammates catch up, explore the outdoors, and just enjoy each other's company.
The Key To Success
Everybody likes to be mentored. Mentors are what help Logan push harder with his running. Logan may be young, but he still likes to mentor those who are younger than him, and even offer advice to those who are older. He goes with a strong, but simple approach.
“I'm a strong believer that the coach knows best,” said Locascio. “Always listen to and respect what your coach has to say; he or she is there for a reason. It is likely that they have a great understanding of running, and they want you to perform your best. Always make it your duty to communicate with them, whether it is on the subject of your health, goal setting, or whatever. With their expertise, improvement is almost always sure to follow.”
Improvement is one thing that Logan, like all athletes, is hoping for. He’s not a national standout; he’s not “on the radar.” He’s just an everyday kid looking to make a name for himself. It’s time to start getting used to hearing that name because Logan Locascio has a list that he's ready to fullfil.
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