My Freshman Run Experience: Anthony Venezia
On Monday, September 20, 2021, one of the most deeply-rooted CBA traditions took place on campus; the Class of 2025 Freshman Run. Like many of my classmates, I had heard stories about this day from lots of different CBA graduates and students. I was told it is more than just a race, it is an opportunity to bond with our classmates.
I was extremely eager to take part in this rich tradition and all that it entailed. I was looking forward to the run itself, but mostly the barbecue. Little did I know what else would be in store.
The day started like any other. I woke up, ate breakfast, and got on the bus. When we arrived at school, we were all in our gym uniforms. Some were ready to run, and some ready to take a light jog and enjoy the day.
The weather was perfect, sunny and about 75 degrees. During our first two periods, the chit-chat and banter about the run was the topic of most conversations. We were all ecstatic to compete and enjoy the day outside.
Even our teachers gave us pep talks and encouraged us to place well in the race. They really emphasized that we should not lose sight of the memories that we were about to make.
As soon as the third-period bell rang, we were lined up outside, ready to begin the race. Many of my classmates talked about the approach they would take. Some were planning to try and place high, others wanted to take a jog, and a lot of us were just competing with friends to see who could place the best.
Considering that I had a very short “career” in pee-wee track (participating for one season in fourth grade), I did not go into the run with high expectations. Like many other “non-runners”, I just wanted to do my best and see how my conditioning from other sports would translate to this race.
“GO!” The whistle sounded and we were off. My strategy was to pace myself and wait for the right time to make my move and push through towards the finish line. I have always been fairly fast, but I knew that how I finished the race, and more importantly how I was able to conserve my energy, would count the most for my finishing spot.
When the race began, I had a good position on the starting line, but I noticed that I was drifting towards the back of the pack. In the middle of the race, some of the runners surrounding me were slowing down and losing endurance.
I knew that it was my time to strike and use the energy that I had conserved in the tank. Once I turned it up, I zipped past many of my classmates that were starting to fade and I was able to see the top runners in front of me.
At that point, I knew I was in a good position and that solidified my confidence as we rounded towards the last quarter of the race. However, approaching the finish line, a few runners got ahead of me again. But, I dug deep and pulled out my last burst of energy and kept pushing.
Near the finish line, I felt my adrenaline and blood pumping through my legs even more, giving me the boost I needed heading towards the end.
The top 10 were back in my sight, but I ended up just outside of it, finishing in 11th place. My strategy had worked and my conditioning paid off. I, like thousands of CBA freshmen before us, had left it all on the course that day and I was proud of my effort.
Once the race was over, the rest of the day flew by. The barbecue lunch hit the spot and trivia was a blast. Although the tug-of-war did not go well, we made up for it in the home run derby and relay races.
Regardless of where my homeroom placed in these events, being the worst or the best, this is a day I will not soon forget. The freshman Class of 2025 strengthened bonds, made great memories, and joined the ranks of every CBA class before us.
