Get to know Pomperaug HS track and field athlete, recent graduate Robert Vagnini
SOUTHBURY, Conn. — Track and Field has a reputation for its special type of “punishment” whether you’re a short- or long- distance runner or field events specialist. Recent graduate, Robert Vagnini, disagrees. He ran track beginning in his freshman year at Pomperaug High School, and during his four years on the team he competed as a Sprinter.
“Not to sound cliché, but track isn’t like other sports,” Robert stated. “I’ve played a multitude of sports in my life, from basketball to lacrosse, baseball to soccer, yet one thing I’ve found different about track from those other sports I played was the individualistic aspect of it.”
Robert went on to talk about how other sports pride themselves on being a “team sport”, track sets itself apart by being an individual sport that is coupled with team aspects. “Yes, you still workout as a team, create team comradery, and have team captains, but each event at a meet is performed by you and you only. You can’t rely on anyone else, it’s your motivation, your goals that strive you to be better than you were yesterday.”
Robert had to overcome the agonizing pain caused by shin splints in each of the track seasons he competed. The term “shin splints” refers to pain along the shin bone (tibia)—the large bone in the front of your lower leg. Medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome, shin splints often occur in athletes who have recently intensified or changed their training routines. The increased activity overworks the muscles, tendons and bone tissue. Shin splints are common in runners, dancers and military recruits. Most cases of shin splints can be treated with rest, ice and other self-care measures. Wearing proper footwear and modifying your exercise routine can help prevent shin splints from recurring.
Robert talked about how he and his other teammates who also suffered from shin splints commiserate about the pain but helped each other push through it. Being a competitive sprinter, the constant practice and direct impact on his shins every day meant no relief until each season ended. He considered working through the pain to compete at the highest level was in and of itself a test that he had to overcome. Shin splints were to see if Robert had enough determination to push through, and after four years of constant pain to his shins, I think we can all agree he succeeded.
“When I was a freshman, trying out for track and field for the first time ever, I idolized some of my older teammates,” Robert admitted. “As I grew older and eventually became a senior, I realized that age isn’t a fair measure as to whether or not you should look up to someone. With my younger teammates surpassing their personal records, I began to recognize their continued improvement meant Pomperaug Track had a strong future, and I looked up to them the same way I had my older fellow athletes.”
While Robert isn’t continuing track in college, he is excited for future track stars at PHS and can’t wait to see them compete as he watches from the bleachers. He wants anyone that is even just remotely interested in track and field to try it out. Who knows, it may become a huge part of your life during your high school years.
This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.
