Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Zachary Bowdridge (Cross Country)
Leominster High School and CTEi junior Zachary Bowdridge has been running cross country since seventh grade and has developed a strong appreciation for the sport throughout his time at LHS.
“I started running cross country in seventh grade,” Bowdridge said. “I had friends that were running, and I wanted to join them. I haven’t looked back since.”
Bowdridge enjoys the constant challenges cross country presents and the opportunity to improve with each season. He also values the friendships he has developed with his teammates.
“In cross country, hard work certainly pays off,” Bowdridge said. “I like that reward, and I like being able to hang out with my teammates. We’ve all become very good friends.”
Head coach Karen Marino has been impressed by Bowdridge's consistency and continued improvement throughout his time with the team.
“Zach is a great athlete to coach,” Marino said. “He is the team’s most consistent runner. He has improved each year, and I can count on him to give his best effort and finish among the team’s top five.”
Bowdridge credits Marino with helping him develop as a runner, particularly when it comes to race strategy.
“Coach Marino has taught me a lot during my time as a runner,” Bowdridge said. “Strategically, she has been very helpful with learning how to pace myself when running hills.”
In addition to cross country, Bowdridge competes in indoor and outdoor track. After high school, he hopes to enter the automotive industry. Outside of school, he enjoys spending time outdoors.
“My favorite teacher is Mr. Mooney,” he said. “He makes math very enjoyable.”
Through his consistency and dedication, Bowdridge has become a positive example for his teammates at LHS and CTEi.
“He balances hard work with a genuine enjoyment of the sport, setting a positive example for his teammates,” Marino said.
“I started running cross country in seventh grade,” Bowdridge said. “I had friends that were running, and I wanted to join them. I haven’t looked back since.”
Bowdridge enjoys the constant challenges cross country presents and the opportunity to improve with each season. He also values the friendships he has developed with his teammates.
“In cross country, hard work certainly pays off,” Bowdridge said. “I like that reward, and I like being able to hang out with my teammates. We’ve all become very good friends.”
Head coach Karen Marino has been impressed by Bowdridge's consistency and continued improvement throughout his time with the team.
“Zach is a great athlete to coach,” Marino said. “He is the team’s most consistent runner. He has improved each year, and I can count on him to give his best effort and finish among the team’s top five.”
Bowdridge credits Marino with helping him develop as a runner, particularly when it comes to race strategy.
“Coach Marino has taught me a lot during my time as a runner,” Bowdridge said. “Strategically, she has been very helpful with learning how to pace myself when running hills.”
In addition to cross country, Bowdridge competes in indoor and outdoor track. After high school, he hopes to enter the automotive industry. Outside of school, he enjoys spending time outdoors.
“My favorite teacher is Mr. Mooney,” he said. “He makes math very enjoyable.”
Through his consistency and dedication, Bowdridge has become a positive example for his teammates at LHS and CTEi.
“He balances hard work with a genuine enjoyment of the sport, setting a positive example for his teammates,” Marino said.