Matt Doran - Hopedale High School
"Matt always gave 100% at practice and then 110% at races That's what I liked about him, his hardworking never give up mentality." - Coach Joseph Drugan
What do you enjoy doing outside of your running?
I enjoy crushing ping pong, hanging out with friends, and pondering life in coffee shops.
What are you going to miss most about your high school running career?
I'll miss the team atmosphere, the bonding, and the brotherhood that you make when your on a high school team. I am also going to miss my coaches, and all the support I've gotten since freshman year.
What was your most memorable race?
My most memorable race was my sophomore Central Mass Cross Country Championship. It was one of those races you'd like to bottle up and keep for another one. I think every runner could relate in saying that race was one where I can hardly remember the middle. I could only remember the gun, and crossing the finish as fast as possible.
Out of all your high school running accomplishments, what stands out the most?
Winning three straight Central Mass XC Championships. It was a great run for Hopedale and it was a memorable experience. Something I'll always remember.
What was the most difficult obstacle you had to overcome?
Junior year. I came into the year with really high goals, and over trained during the summer. It was hard to continue racing and trying to be at my best even though I wasn't competing at nearly the level I wanted to be at.
Do you have any advice for younger runners?
I would advise any runner to take their progression slowly. Everyone looks up to runner like John Green and in their mind they make high goals. I would say keep your goals high, but have a realistic mentality towards achieving it. Cherish the good races and don't sweat the bad ones.
If you were to change anything about your high school running career.....what would you change?
If I could change anything I would slow down and really appreciate the team atmosphere. I would really like to go back and just continues to be on the team with the guys I grew up with.
What are your college plans?
Next year I'll be going to Brandeis University to run on the XC and Track teams. It'll be a great time and I'm really looking forward to it.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
Thank you to my parents, Coach Drugan, my friends, my family, and most of all my teammates.