East County Athlete of the Week: Kevin Gyurka

Kevin Gyurka is a junior on The Out-of-Door Academy boys cross country team. Gyurka finished fourth overall (17:24.60) at the Lemon Bay Invitational, held Aug. 24 at Lemon Bay High. The Thunder finished eighth in the team standings. 

When did you start competitive running?

I started running in elementary school. One of my teachers noticed that I was somewhat good at it, so in fourth grade I signed up for our running club. I've been running ever since. 

What is the appeal to you?

It lets me take my mind off school and anything else going on. It calms me down. 

What is your preference between cross country and track?

I like both for different reasons. I like getting to travel for cross country, just being with teammates and spending time with them. And I like track because the runs are a bit shorter and I get to run a little faster. 

What is your strategy for pushing at the end of a race?

I think I just shift into a different gear. Somehow I always have a little energy boost helping me finish strong. I don't actually know how I do it. There's no trick or anything, it just happens. 

What is your favorite memory?

During my freshman year, we traveled to Huntsville, Alabama, for a race. It was six of us. It was the first time I had traveled somewhere with the team. That trip holds a lot of good memories for me. 

What are your goals for this cross country season?

Looking at my track season from the spring and seeing what times I can reach from there, I think I can go under 15:40 in the 5K. The first race of the year (Lemon Bay) was a tough one, so even though it might not look like it, I think I can get into those mid-15 times. 

What is your favorite cross country course to run?

The course at North Port High is fast. I always get my best times there, so I like that. 

What is your favorite food?

I like the spaghetti that my mom (Andrea Wurst) makes a lot. 

What is your favorite school subject?

History. I just like learning about the past. I actually will watch history videos on YouTube in my free time. 

What are your hobbies?

I play soccer sometimes, and I play video games with my friends. We have been playing Fortnite and Minecraft lately. 

What is the best advice you have received?

Never back down and never give up. In those tough times, it is something I will say to myself to get me going again. 

Finish this sentence: "Kevin Gyurka is …"

Funny. At least I hope I am.