Freshman Darren Haverkampf steps up to the start line to begin the 800-meter run at the Ellington Invitational and begins cracking jokes with his opponents before taking a spot in the Adidas Nationals. Lining up for an event is usually a serious, nerve-filled moment for most; however, for Haverkampf, it is stress-free and fun.

“The thing I admire most about him is his positive attitude and outlook toward track. Before any event, rather than being super nervous like the rest of the people running the event, he is joking and helps to lighten the tension.” Sophomore Andrew Costanza, a 5-year track participant, is recognising his difference in attitude compared to the other participants. “For example, before I ran the mile with him at Hale Ray while I was incredibly stressed, he was talking with the other athletes and cracking jokes as if it were a normal Tuesday. His ability to facilitate conversation with basically whoever he wants and be such a good person to be around in such an intense sport is truly impressive.”

Costanza is Haverkampf’s teammate and opponent. They ran together in the 4×800 and against each other in the 800-meter. Costanza has noticed the fun Haverkampf is having, as well as recognising that Haverkampf is trying to relieve the tension and enjoy the race.

Haverkampf isn’t all jokes, however. The hard work in practice and training when no ones watching paid off when it mattered. Haverkampf crossed the line, setting a personal record and a ticket to Adidas Nationals with a 2:05.48-minute 800-meter time, just making the cut. An achievement seniors dream of, and Haverkampf is doing this as a freshman.

During the 800-meter race at Ellington Invitational, Haverkampf began doubting himself when he began the race in last place, and eventually got to 4th place 500 meters into the race, but was passed on the third curve, putting him into 6th place. At that moment, Haverkampf said to himself, “I’m gonna get a medal in this meet, but I gotta give it everything I got. I thought for sure I was done. I thought I was not going to get a medal, and then I gave it all I got, and I got sixth. I didn’t see what my time was; I just knew it was low twos. I was just happy to get a medal there.”

Haverkampf had no idea what time it was while racing. He had no idea he had even made nationals until he got to class, when sophomore Michael Bowker came up to him with the big news. Haverkampf said, “I was really shocked. I didn’t have any idea what the times were to qualify for nationals.”

This was a wake-up call for Haverkampf. He realized his true potential in the sport and is realizing the reality of the situation, considering Nationals is June 18-21, just one month away.

Haverkampf only picked up the sport in 7th grade because he wanted to condition for basketball. He had no idea he would ever take it seriously and compete at a high level, putting in his most effort in order to get better results each day.

Costanza mentioned, “Every day, regardless of how difficult the workout was, Haverkampf would always show up. One of the things I greatly admire about him.”

Nevertheless, Costanza isn’t the only one who notices it. Spanish teacher and indoor track coach Jordan Bean added, “Haverkampf pushes himself hard in practice and has been increasingly more diligent in his efforts in the different drills and training we do.” Bean also added, “In the first few days of my time with the team, I could tell he was frustrated, but with practice and repetition, he is starting to become a leader by example. I appreciated that he attended the majority of the optional practices offered during April Vacation.”

Haverkampf’s improving times aren’t only helping him, however. It is also helping his team.

“When I ran the 4×800 with him at Ellington, he easily ran one of the fastest 800 splits and, being the first leg, set the team on a good course to medal and qualify for states,” Costanza said.

Bean mentioned, “While Darren came in with some prior experience in the sport, coming from Eliot, I think he’s starting to embrace the fact that there are levels to how athletes train and prepare at the high school level and beyond”.

“I think his performances thus far have been an excellent indicator as a freshman of a bright future in the sport. As always, there is work to be done, but he continues to demonstrate dedication and can be counted on as a teammate. I’m excited to see him continue to progress and grow in the sport,” Bean concluded.