Unsung Hero: Track Senior Xavier Ingram

Hard work and dedication.

Two words that track senior Xavier Ingram knows very well. As a matter of fact, Ingram uses those two words in his every day life to garner success. Ingram is a part of the 4x800-meter relay team that will be heading to the meet at Shippensburg University this weekend.

"I think Xavier deserves recognition," said head coach Ken DeAngelo. "He's put up with us for four years. In the very beginning he went from a 56 [seconds] in the 400 to a 50 [seconds]. He's a very important part of the 4x800-meter relay that we want to get to the states and score a high medal in."

Ingram also ran in the 4x400-meter relay at the district tournament. He explained that he slacked off a lot during his freshman and sophomore years, but realized his potential when he looked up to the top.

"Looking at other seniors and how hard they were working and how good they were, I wanted to be as good as them, if not better," said Ingram. "It took a lot of hard work and concentration to get to where I am now."

DeAngelo agreed that it took some time and dedication for Ingram's success to shine through.

"I think he's worked very hard," DeAngelo said. "His achievement has come along slowly, where some kids it comes along at a bang and they're excited about it. He stuck with it and the persistence part is Xavier's strongest point."

This year was the first time Ingram has had the opportunity to compete in districts and now states. His lifelong football career has helped in build a team aspect into his track persona.

"It helps me out a lot, just knowing I have other people watching my back when I'm running," he said. "Football is definitely my favorite sport. It always has been since I was little. That, again, required a lot of hard work. To get to where I am now from the past years took a lot of dedication. It was a lot more fun once I hit the field and started playing and stuff."

Ingram hopes to run track at East Stroudsburg University. He has received a letter from them, but has not talked to the coach yet. He said that's still a work in progress. Although currently undecided on a major, he may be looking to go into graphic arts.

As for his current situation, Ingram is happy and honored that his coach selected him as the Unsung Hero.

"It feels great actually," he said. "It feels like I finally get an opportunity to stand out from working hard all the time. It's given me the chance to show coach I can do it and score points in our meets and prove everyone wrong."

And to conclude, Ingram recited his favorite mantra in reference to a successful future.

"[It's going to take] a lot of hard work and dedication to make it," Ingram concluded. "You've got to work hard in everything you do if you want to succeed."