HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- When he is not shattering records on the track, Matt Novak is a quiet, humble teen who shies away from the spotlight. But the senior has an opportunity to run on one of the biggest stages in the country and you could help him get there.
“I started competing in my freshman year.”
Going the distance.
“It may be torture but it is my kind of love.”
Deep Run’s Matt Novak loves the thrill of competition.
“It is definitely a passion. It is something I think about all of the time.”
The senior is considered one of the best runners in the Richmond area.
“I’ll have all of this nervous energy,” says Novak. “ But as soon as the gun goes off it is like I forget it and there is only one thing I think about that and that is finishing the race on top.”
The humble 18-year-old holds several school records on the track including a blistering 4:08 mile.
“Matt Novak is a completely relentless runner,” says Deep Run coach Drew Spicer. “He is very easy to coach.”
The humble senior finds himself in one of the tightest races of his life. Novak is hoping to land a coveted spot in the Adidas Dream Mile. And the chance to measure his skills against the country’s elite athletes in New York. Only three out of fourteen spots remain.
Novak appreciates support from family and friends.
“I’m extremely proud,” says Matt’s father, Brad Novak. “As a father I think he definitely deserves it but he is one of the best mile runners in the country so I think he definitely deserves this.”
But Novak could use your help. Matt in second place trails a Texas runner in a poll. A survey that may influence the judges.
“I really want to be a part of this one,” says Matt. “No pun intended but this would be a dream come true.”
Your vote could help him cross the finish line in the national spotlight.
“It would be awesome if I could get myself out there up to New York and race against the best of the best.”
If you would like to vote for Matt Novak and try helping him reach his dream log on to: http://www.milesplit.com/articles/155338?page=5
Matt should find out if he made the Dream Mile competition in the coming days. Matt will be graduating from Deep Run in the coming weeks and will be running for the Cavaliers at UVA.
The Deep Run record Matt broke was once held by his brother, Daniel. Talk about a little sibling rivalry.
