Michael Tafe is the fastest freshman in Virginia in cross country at this time, and he has worked very hard to get to this point.
In the past, Michael has done sports such as soccer, flag football, and lacrosse. Eventually, he started cross country. “I joined cross country, or I initially joined indoor track because right after football season I was always the fastest guy out there, and I was always the running back, so I decided to just make my way towards track and eventually it stuck,” Tafe explained.
Michael has done a lot to get to where he is now. “It’s a lot of dedication, a lot of keeping focus, nutrition, and sleep,” Tafe says. “Being among good peers and teammates also really helps.”
Good coaches have also assisted Michael to get to the point he is now. “Good coaching along the way really helps build it. I’ve been on four different teams now, so all the different coaches and all of their minds coming together really helps.” Tafe says.
Being the fastest freshman cross-country runner is quite a title, and it is one Michael is proud of. “It’s an honor, but I have to keep working and get better. We have to get better from a national standpoint. If we want to qualify at an XR and keep doing well there then we all have to get better” Tafe explains.
Michael earned the title in a competition at Woodgrove on September 30th. “I got a 15:56, which is the top time in the state,” Tafe says.
Cross-country run times are tracked through the organization Milestat. “it’s a website that if you run in a race the times will be sent and they have every meet out there, Tafe explains. “If you look at all the times on a list they have everyone’s times.”
The cross country season this year has been a good one. “Overall the team is doing absolutely amazing, we’re really young so the goal is to be good for years to come, and right now we’re looking at district and region champs, and hopefully the highest place in state finish in Loudoun County history for cross country,” Tafe says.
Michael is excited for the cross country seasons to come and will continue doing winter as well as spring track this year. “Go Captains” Tafe exclaimed.