Salute to Seniors: Zachary Rubin


Before the class of 2020 makes their final farewells to high school cross country and track and field, we want to give everyone a chance to salute them one more time!FLRunners invites all seniors to tell their stories from the past four years.

Today we salute Fort Lauderdale HS senior, Zachary Rubin


What was your most memorable race/throw/jump/vault/moment?

                      My most memorable race was the 2 mile at a home dual meet my sophomore year. There was only 4 other kids running and I had already ran the mile and 800 so I wasn't very confident going into the race. However, I PR'ed by 27 seconds and I remember my teammates and everyone in the bleachers cheering me on as I sprinted to the finish line. It's something I'll never forget.


                      What was your greatest accomplishment?

                      My greatest personal accomplishment was being the first person in Hallandale High School history to qualify for XC regionals. My greatest team accomplishment was winning Cross Country County's this year with Fort Lauderdale High School.

                      Who would you consider your biggest role model over your four years competing?

                      My biggest role model has definitely been my dad. When I was going through some personal issues he was always there for me, and he always there for me on and off the track. I wouldn't be the person I am without him. Love ya dad!

                      If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running or field career in high school?

                      If I could do it all over again, I would have definitely focused more on running earlier in my life. I was a basketball player first up until the start of my sophomore year. If I knew then what I know now I would've stopped playing basketball earlier and solely focus on track and cross country.

                      What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome? How did you overcome them?

                      The most difficult obstacles I had to overcome were injuries. I would always get so down when I had to sit out of practices, whether it was just for a day or for a month. It was hard for me to get back into the swing of things. I overcame them with the support from my teammates, coaches, and my dad. They helped me get through every setback

                      What will you miss the most?

                      I'll miss the team camaraderie. I'll miss energy of the track meets, and even the parts where everyone is just sitting around waiting for their races. I'll miss the shared feeling with your team when we all finished a really hard work out. I'll miss everything about high school track and cross country.

                      What advice would you give to younger athletes?

                      My advice to younger athletes would be to STRETCH!!!! A lot of my injuries could have been prevented if I took care of my body properly. I know it's boring and sometimes annoying but it can really make a huge difference.

                      What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?

                      Coach Josh has had a huge influence on me. He helped me believe that the running dreams I had could become a reality. As for my life goals he strengthened my belief in my life goals. Coach Josh is the best coach you can have.

                      What are your post-high school or college plans?

                      My plans for the summer  are to run summer track (if we still have a summer season). I will be attending The University of Florida, where I hope to walk on to the Cross Country and Track & Field Teams.

                      Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?

                      I have so many people to thank. I'd like to thank my dad first and foremost. I'd also like to thank Coach Josh for giving me the opportunity to make history and be apart of a great distance team. Also shouts out to Bam, Ghetto Barnie, T-Money, Big Mike, and Scrumptious. Thank y'all for being there for me and helping me enjoy my high school track experience. I love you guys.

                      Is there anything else you'd like to add?

                      I have etched my name  into the history books for every team I've been on since middle school, and I will  continue that trend into college