Like many of you, track and field was secondary sport for me. I picked up my first implement at the age of 18 during my freshman year of college. Dr. Infurna served as more than a coach. In my opinion, He was closer to a sport psychologist. Unlike other coaches, Dr. Infurna focused on building my mental strength and confidence first through reflection exercises and journaling. Through trial and error, we built an unapparelled college resume that not many can match. In just 4 short years we broke over 10 records, dominated our conference during my four years, won a national championship and prepared to compete at the USATF national level.
Luis Rivera National Record Holder 2016 Division III 35lb. Weight Throw National Champion USATF Indoor National Championships Competitor |
One thing I as an athlete struggle with (and many others as well) is keeping a positive mindset and not doubting yourself. The one thing Coach Infurna did was encourage me to see my potential, even if I didn’t see it myself at the time. I worked with coach mostly the summer and fall going into my senior high school season. At this point my PR was 59’ in the weight and I wasn’t heavily recruited. I quit football so that I could train more, and even with all of that training, without actually having a meet for months there was no real tangible validation. My future in throwing was nowhere near set but coach ensured me the training would pay off. To my surprise (but not his own) I opened my senior season with a huge PR of 67’. His positive attitude taught me that the best way to improve is to have confidence in your abilities. If one is constantly doubting themselves they will perform as such. Even if it starts as “faking it ‘till you make it” the constant daily reassurance, for months, or even years is what creates a competitor.
William Gross IV 2021 MAC Champion in Hammer Throw 2019 NYS Weight Throw Champion 1 of 6 New York State throwers to throw the Weight over 70' and the Shot-Put 50' in the same season |
With what I know now, it's crazy how apparent I was improving after I had met you guys. Especially watching my senior campaign, I was all over the place in the beginning of the season. The training with you guys that winter shows just how crucial those sessions were for me to have the success that I did. I'm super grateful for both of your kindness and willingness to help me with the same passion for throwing things far. I'm grateful for ever having crossed paths with you and Luis.
Andrew Palermo Dartmouth College 2018 Section V Weight Throw Champion 2018 Section V Discus Champion 2018 Section V Shot-Put Champion |