Zachary Dertinger '22 Recruiting Profile

My life for the past 17 years have been ups and down, This is my timeline and adventure to look at.  

     Before I was born, life was challenging not only for my parents, but also for me. From the moment I was born, the light at the end of the tunnel was almost extinct. My mom was taken in for an emergency c-section because I was losing oxygen. At around the age of 3, I was diagnosed with Autism. In middle school I was bullied for being different until another student with a different disability stood up for me. Being someone diagnosed with Autism has not stopped me from being the person I am today, instead it gave me a better purpose in life with more determination, drive & ambition. As I got older, my parents told me that I was always special, proud of everything I have accomplished, and no matter where I go in life, I would succeed and make a huge impact in the world. My mom would always say, "Zach is Zach" and he will say & do whatever he feels no matter what others think of him. Whenever someone interacts with my family, they respond we love Zach. He is the most outgoing, respectful, caring individual that always gives more than 110% into everything he does.

     Ever since I was very young, I have always had the drive to be a television personality star. I started my first youtube channel at the age of 14. I also have Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and twitch accounts. I love to play video games for a living. When I was a child I remember telling my parents one day you will see me on the big screen. In the past 5 years, I have been a reporter for a newspaper in the town I live in, called Manor Ink. 

     In the 4 years of High School, I have made the honor roll each year, except in 2019 when Covid became part of everyone's lives and my grades declined. This had a huge impact on me physically and emotionally. 

     Running Cross Country and Outdoor track is another long term achievement and passion of mine. I started running cross country during my freshman year in 2018. My 3 mile run was completed in 22:27.72  In 2019, I placed 4th in the top 10 with a time of 19:38.9. From there I went on to compete with the best at Suny Plattsburgh for the NYSPHSAA championships where I completed with a time of 19:35.9  My final run as a Senior this year, my time was getting better and even though I did not make the top 10 this year, I finished the 3 mile race with a PR of 19:11.08 In addition to Cross Country, I run spring track for Downsville. In June 2021 our team took 1st place and broke the record for 3200M relay with a score of 9:46.24. I also competed in the individual 3200M placing 3rd with a time of 12:58.08, I will give a 110 percent during practice and meets and I will listen to my coach and teammates to help and learn from them, I give my love to my coach, teammates and the community that I will go to  and while I am in college, I will show positive outbreak to the college, students, professors and the coaches.  

     With these achievements I was awarded the Tri-Valley Section IV All Conference Award and named to the All-Star First Team. Then I was named the Sullivan County Democrat 2021 All-Star in Cross Country. I was also given the Athletic Director's Award in 2021, which is usually only given to 2 or 3 students throughout the entire school, and usually only seniors. I have additionally competed in track events outside the school district in events such as Run for Vets 5K, Cadence & Craft 1/2 Marathon and 5K, as well as mud runs. 

     During my Junior year I was nominated Ice Carnival King and Prom King in which I won Prom King 2021. 

     I know that even during the darkest hours, and what seems to be the darkest times in one's life, everyone can make a change in the world. You can come from having no money, no education, and thinking there is nothing i can do in the world, to making a larger impact than you think. With determination and hard work, you can put your mind to changing the times we live in and make something special of your life. I hope that one day my story can influence those who are non-believers, and see the light at the end of the tunnel.