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Monday, October 21, 2024 | 1:17 PM
Ben Brestensky is a young man of few words.
When asked about the Freeport boys cross country team winning the title at the Bald Eagle Invitational at White Oak Park on Oct. 5, the senior gave a very short answer:
“It felt really good to win.”
Even though he’s a quiet kid, Brestensky has grown into a leadership role for Freeport, something that, four years ago, coach Melissa Schaeffer never thought would happen.
“I never would have picked him out to be a leader because he’s so quiet,” Schaeffer said. “This season, he’s doing all the right things so that kids want to follow him. He leads by example and is the leader of the varsity pack. He works so hard.”
Brestensky’s hard work was on display at Bald Eagle, where he posted a personal-best time of 17 minutes, 34.16 seconds last year, good for 12th place.
This year, he finished seventh with a new personal-best time of 17:31. 86. His place in the top 10 was a crucial factor in the Yellowjackets winning the team title with six runners placing in the top 25.
“I felt a little bit nervous coming into the race,” said Brestensky. “You just never know what to expect going into any race, but it felt really great to hit that time.”
Added Schaeffer: “He’s the glue that holds our pack together. We have Michael Braun up front, but Ben is the guy that paces the team. If we keep everyone else close to Ben’s time, we’ll have success as a team, and that’s what we’re hoping for going into WPIALs.”
Last year at WPIALs, Brestensky finished 50th with a time of 17:50.2. He has shown this year he can eclipse that time without issue and has his sights set on what now looks like an attainable goal.
“I definitely want to do a lot better than I did last year,” Brestensky said. “My goal this year is to get under 17:00.”
Said Schaeffer: “His times are more consistent. Last year, he had a big jump at WPIAL finals, and he’s already surpassed what he did at WPIALs last year. He’s aiming to run in the low 17s at WPIALs, and if he does, the team will be in great shape.”
The WPIAL championships will be held Oct. 24 at White Oak Park.
Brestensky took some time for a Senior Spotlight Q&A:
How was the course at Bald Eagle?
It was pretty easy. Not muddy and very flat.
There were six Yellowjackets in the top 25 of that race. What does that say to how well the team works?
It shows that we’re really committed. We really want to win and go to states as a team.
How important is it for this team to have the depth it has?
Having six strong runners that can carry, and that you can rely on, is super important if you want to achieve the goals we’ve set for ourselves.
What was your favorite course to run? Your least favorite?
Bald Eagle because it’s so flat. Cal U because there are a lot of hills.
Is there anything you do to get in the zone prior to a race?
Not really. As a team, we have a routine to warm up before each race, and we’ll listen to music during that routine.
What were your goals for the season?
To get under 17 (minutes) and to make it to states, whether that was to place eighth or better (individually) or fourth as a team in the WPIALs.
What’s the confidence level among the group in regards to the WPIAL race?
Our confidence levels are high right now. We’re pretty sure we can get to states.
What has running cross country taught you?
Hard work pays off. It also helps to surround yourself with people who are going to motivate and support you.
Favorite high school memory so far?
Going to Hershey this September with the whole team for the Hershey Foundation meet.
Spend any time at Hershey Park?
No, not Hershey Park, but we did spend time at the chocolate factory.
Any hobbies?
Animals. I just took a job at a local dog grooming business. It’s tough sometimes, but I very much enjoy it.
What are your post high school plans?
I want to go to college and I’m aiming to be a veterinarian.
What’s one piece of advice you’d want to leave your teammates?
Hard work really does pay off. Don’t give up. If those negative thoughts creep up, just fight through them because whatever you’re doing will pay off in the end.
Tags: Freeport
