Foster accelerates to the finish line

John Foster was one of many talented athletes who competed for the Staples boys track program. A three-sport captain before graduating in June, he was an All-Stater and will be competing for Stonehill College this coming year.

During his freshman and sophomore years, Foster aspired to play for the soccer team in the fall but was cut. Cross country was his back up plan. Looking back now, he says "I couldn't be happier with their decision [to cut me]. It ended up working out pretty well."

Through his years in the program Foster has grown tremendously. Wreckers cross-country and track Coach Laddie Lawrence said, "John is a very hard worker and as a result of that his times improved greatly."

Foster agrees and said, "My freshman year and senior years don't even compare. I used to be a slow freshman, just running to try and get in shape, and by my senior year, after running many miles, and putting a good amount of time in the weight room, I became a half way decent runner, training to help my team win championships."

He credits his improvements to the validity and prestige of the program.

"Staples has a reputation as a track team that is always in contention, and has made so many amazing runners over the years," Foster said. "Wanting to live up to this reputation, and not wanting to let my teammates down has always influenced me to want to try my hardest."

Foster was able to help his team in the indoor and outdoor seasons by competing in a variety of events. He ran everything from the 800 meters to the 5,000 meters. His favorite event was the 3,200 meters.

"John was a very balanced runner," Lawrence said.

Lawrence relied on Foster to lead the team as a senior. He said, "John set an example for the rest of the runners by working hard. He is very dependable and responsible and was a great role model. He was an awesome teammate and is a very positive thinking person. We always not only tried to do his best, but to get others to do their best."

Foster relished his role as a captain. He said, "Being captain all three seasons meant a lot to me. I knew I had the respect of my teammates, and it was a great experience for me, trying to help them improve, but it also helped me as well."

His greatest talent in the program was his dedication and willingness to work hard. He says, "My biggest strength is my work ethic. I wasn't born a runner, I had to work hard to become one."

After a four-year commitment to the team, Foster saw his hard work pay off as he made first team all-FCIAC in cross country and second team All-FCIAC in indoor track. In addition, he was the Laddie Lawrence award scholarship recipient. Lawrence said, "I was very pleased he was one of the winners."

Foster is looking forward to running for Stonehill and knows he'll have to improve in order to excel for the Skyhawks. Foster says, "I had tryouts this past week, and just had a meeting with Coach [Karen] Boen, and she informed me that I made the team. It will be tough to adjust to running with a new, more advanced team, and it will take a lot more effort, but I am ready for the new challenges ahead. "

Staples track is renowned for its integrity, persistence and talent. Foster has proved to exemplify these qualities and embody the message that Lawrence aims to pass on to members of the team.

"Very often in running, it is the person who sticks with it and perseveres who sees success," Lawrence said. "Foster did that and as a result ended his [career] with many accomplishments."