Simon Di Matteo '22 Recruiting Profile

**COVID-19 UPDATE (2/9/21)**  York County was given the green light on 10/16/2020 to participate in sports.  I had two meets, placing first in both of them.  The first meet was a 4-way meet with other teams in my county.  The second was the York County State Qualifier meet for the Southwestern Maine Athletic Association (SMAA) on 11/4/2020 .   I was the first-place finisher in a limited field of 46.  (Results are here:  https://me.milesplit.com/meets/401506-york-county-smaa-boys-state-qualifier-2020/results/713426/formatted#.X6NDR2hKiUk)  Unfortunately, the State XC Championship meets were canceled on 11/9/20, two days before they were scheduled to occur.  This was due to a rise in COVID-19 cases throughout Maine, and the Maine Principals Association's concern about students from all over the state mixing at a XC meet.   

Indoor track season has begun and York County is now allowed to practice and compete even as we remain on "yellow" (hybrid school) status.  I am practicing with my team, but unfortunately, no competitions have been scheduled due to all outdoor track facilities being covered in snow, and indoor facilities used by HS teams being at college campuses that are closed to outside teams.  I have extended my training block with  outdoor track season in mind, as that stands the best chance of my next competition.  However, I'm still hopeful for some road races or time trials at some point this winter and will post results here.

Latest Time Trial Video (10/3/20, 16:22 5K): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQCk1UwXWX8

*****

Running is a very important aspect of my life.  In the summer after fourth grade, I ran my first 5k.   The local road race took place during my time at summer camp.  At the starting line, I asked the camp director, "How will I know where to go during the race?".  He responded, "Follow the people in front of you."  But a thought came to mind, and I asked, "What if nobody is in front of me?"  The camp director just laughed.  I finished in 10th place overall.  Three years later I won the race.  That was the beginning of my love for the sport.

 As a high school student-athlete, I always try to excel in both academics and sport.  For example, I am on track to have completed all four years of honors-level science courses, in just two years.  I did this in order to take AP science courses as an upperclassman.  My passion for running goes beyond my own success.  Last year, I volunteered to help coach the middle school track program.  I created workouts and weekly schedules for the distance runners.

I am looking forward to bringing my love of running and work ethic to the collegiate level