AP Athlete of the Week by Xander Michaels 11.29.18

AP ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

By Xander Michaels

~Scholar Athlete~

Michael Beskid

This week’s scholar athlete is Michael Beskid. Michael played on the Varsity Soccer team in the fall and will be competing during the winter on the Varsity Indoor Track team. Michael began his track career in ninth grade after numerous friends suggested that he join. He says the most difficult part of the sport is a mental aspect. “You are pushed to your physical limits, and it takes an immense amount of mental strength to keep going when your body wants to stop.” Michael pushes through these mental challenges with the help of his team. “There’s a great team dynamic with lots of support from other athletes and a really special bond from suffering through hard workouts together.” To prepare for his senior season, Michael lifted weights, and worked on his long jump and triple jump techniques in the pits. Michael’s efforts have helped him to find success in his sport; last year he won the sectional title for 400m hurdles and reached the state qualifying meets for triple jump and the 4x400m relay. Not only has Michael found success in his sport, he strives to excel in school as well. Michael has maintained a GPA of 98.5 throughout high school; a feat that becomes even more impressive after seeing his challenging course load. Michael has taken every honors class available to him, and various Advanced Placement courses. This year, Michael is enrolled in the New Visions STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) program, a selective program for seniors who are planning on pursuing a STEM career. Michael’s greatest academic achievement is “achieving high honor roll every quarter and regularly making top 5 despite taking the most rigorous coursework possible. I think this is a testament to my long-term commitment to academics and drive to succeed.” Along with this, Michael is a member of the National Honor Society, and currently he is a Semifinalist in the National Merit Scholarship Competition. Last Spring, he received the Rensselaer medal, which included a scholarship to RPI.

Michael has found great success both in school and his sports. Outside of these, Michael is proud to have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout as well as the position of President of the Averill Park Robotics Club.

Michael is grateful for his parents support throughout his educational and athletic careers. “They set high standards for me academically and support me in my athletic pursuits, always offering encouragement. I always do my best and work hard to make them proud.”

We wish Michael the best during his future after high school, where he plans to enter college seeking a degree in aerospace engineering.