Finn Gallagher ‘22 has been through a lot over the course of his running career. With injuries, COVID-19, and other setbacks, Gallagher has struggled to catch a break. Gallagher, healthy now, is ready to make his senior season one to remember.

“My career at LT has been plagued with injuries,” Gallagher said. “The prospect of having one last opportunity to run with the team makes me excited.”

Gallagher specializes in long distance running, such as the one and two mile races. As for college, Gallagher is on track to attend Pomona College in California, a Division 3 university located just east of Los Angeles.

“I will probably focus on long distance running [in college],” Gallagher said. “I want to compete in the 1500 and 10k, and also participate in cross country.”

Gallagher and the boys track team this year hold many personal and collective goals. Teammate Hayden Constas ‘22 is one of the runners looking to help LT succeed in his upcoming races. 

“This season I’m just trying to give it my all,” Constas said. “The goal for this season is to outwork every other school and enjoy the process with my teammates.”

This season holds much anticipation for both runners since injuries haven’t been the only thing that has been a blow to their seasons. COVID-19 has played a huge role in track meets over the course of two years: from only being able to race conference teams, to working through uncertain times during the 2020 season in the midst of the pandemic.  Although this has been a low point for some, Constas has a different perspective, seeing the light in all the fogginess. 

“[COVID-19] made us take the training responsibility upon ourselves,” Constas said. “It’s hard to swim if pools are closed, or play basketball when gyms are locked up. But with track, you can’t argue that you weren’t able to run.”

Despite hardships throughout his and Gallagher’s running careers, positivity is a main focus of Constas. As for advice for underclassmen, the two runners have a lot to say for the future of LT’s running programs.

“Looking back at my time running at LT, my advice would be to stay patient,” Gallagher said. “I was always trying to get better the fastest way possible. That ignorant thinking and overtraining led me to many injuries.”

With the track season about to start, both Gallagher and Constas have much anticipation for their last season, Constas said. Recovering from injuries and fighting through COVID-19, the boys look forward to success in 2022.

“I’ve been able to learn a lot about myself through injuries, and am ready to be back,” Gallagher said. “I believe that we have multiple individuals that can make it to state in the one and two mile races.”

The boys will run next at the Proviso West Invite, at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26.