Joe Luongo Breaks Mass State 600 Mark in NYC !

Feb 03, 2015

Saint John's Prep Senior Joe Luongo set a new Massachusetts 600 Meter State record this past weekend at the Armory Track Invitational in New York City. Luongo ran 1:18.84 and finished second place in the Invitation only event. His time broke former Somerville High School star Andre Rolim's record time of 1:19.94. We caught up with Joe and asked him a few questions about this past weekend, as well his plans and goals in the upcoming weeks ahead.

Q&A with Joe Luongo / St. John's Prep

Milesplit: Congratulations on being the fastest Massachusetts schoolboy ever in the 600M. Was that one of your goals heading into this season?

Joe L.:Thank you! Ever since last year, breaking the Massachusetts state record for the 600 has been on my mind and one of my biggest goals. I think I just missed the New England record so that is in my sights now!

Milesplit: You raced Richard Rose last year at this very same meet. How much did that experience help you with this year's race?

Joe L.: It helped me a lot! A big part of racing for me is being accustomed to the facility and the track I'm running on. Having run at the Armory a few times definitely helped and especially being at the same meet last year. I would consider last year's meet my breakthrough race for last winter season. It was a really competitive field and had a lot of talented runners like Rose. Being able to compete with them at a big meet like that helped me prepare and be more confident for the meet this year.

Milesplit: What is the big difference between the Armory Track and Reggie Lewis Center?

Joe L.: Both are great facilities ! The Armory is definitely steeper and has bigger banks than Reggie which I think makes it a faster track. The Armory is also home to the National Track and Field Hall of Fame and Museum so it can get pretty busy. It is very loud with play by play announcers, a giant jumbotron screen and music playing while you run. It is very exciting to run in that type of environment and lots of fun for spectators too. The Armory Invitational meet had collegiate and professional runners warming up and competing right next to me. However, The Reggie feels like home to me. I have run there for the past 4 years and I love it there.

Milesplit: Did you really compete this past weekend without those trademark Yellow Leg Sleeves ?

Joe L.:Haha yes, the leg sleeves got a rest this last meet. I could not wear my school uniform and the one I wore was entirely yellow: my shirt, shorts, socks, and spikes; I didn't want to blind anyone!

Milesplit: You have been tearing up the track the last few weeks. What have you done differently the last month or so in your training?

Joe L.:I've been doing a lot of tough workouts which includes anything from repeat 200s, 300s, 400s, and 500s. I go between running on the track and roads to biking and swimming. I try to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night. In addition, I have focused on eating healthier and drinking more water.

Milesplit: What are your goals in the weeks ahead?

Joe L.: I have my conference championship coming up this week and I'll be running the 300 so hopefully I can PR and get my school record possibly. I'd love to repeat as champion for the D1, All-State, and New England meets for the 600. My biggest goal would be to PR and get the New England record for the 600.

Milesplit: Will you be running New Balance Nationals?

Joe L.:Yes! I believe I qualified for the 200 and 400 using my 300 and 600 times respectively. Maybe I'll get a chance to qualify for the 800 and possibly a relay.

Milesplit: Besides running track and playing soccer, what else do you like to do in your spare time?

Joe L.:I love to read and spend time with my family and friends. Despite all the recent snow days, there's not a lot of spare time during the track season.

Milesplit:: Congratulations on your acceptance to Harvard University! Even though you still have plenty of track left in your high school career, you must be really excited about running for the Crimson next year.

Joe L.:Thank you! Harvard has always been my dream school and I'm honored to have the opportunity to be a part of their team. They have attracted some of the most talented track athletes in the country. I am looking forward to training year round with my team and coaches in college.

600 Meter Run All-Time

New England-Massachusetts

Indoors

New England

1:18.72 Cas Loxsom, Wilbur Cross, New Haven, CT 2009

1:18.84 Joe Luongo, St. John Preparatory, Danvers, MA 2015-01-31

1:19.41 Russell Brown, Hanover, NH 2003

1:19.94 Andre Rolim, Somerville, MA 2012

1:20.11 Christopher Bonner, Xaverian Brothers, Westwood, MA 2002

1:20.28 Said Ahmed, Boston English, Jamaica Plain, MA 2001

1:20.29 Daundre Barnaby, Weaver, Hartford, CT 2009

1:20.4 Bill Spierdowis, Foxboro, MA 1998