Trinity Prep distance standout Griffin Jaworski has announced his college decision. Jaworski was considering several SEC and ACC schools including Alabama, Duke, and North Carolina State, but it was Auburn University that felt like home.
“I really liked the team and I already liked the campus. I knew I’d be fine academically so it just seemed like a perfect fit.”
Several runners on the Tiger’s team have Florida connections but Jaworski was familiar with one in particular, Colin Barker. Barker is one of two freshman distance runners from Bishop Kenny in Jacksonville. He collected multiple state titles in the 1600 and 3200m as well as an individual and team state championship in cross-country. Barker served as Jaworski’s host on his official visit and helped pitch the Auburn program.
“He said he was in the greatest shape of his life and that the program is young but in a few years we will have a very strong team.”
The Saint’s senior who plans to major in business, thinks he will run either the 5k or 10k and says his favorite is the 5k because “it’s not too short or too long.” Jaworski admits he isn’t the fastest guy on the track but he does have one thing that makes up for it, heart.
“They are getting a very dedicated runner. I may not be the quickest right now but I love running more than anything else so I’m going to do everything I can to get faster.”
Now that his college decision has been made he can focus on his senior track and field season. Jaworski is coming off a stellar cross country campaign which included a runner-up finish and a team championship.
“I want to be sub 4:20 in the 1600 and sub 9:00 in the 3200, and we want to break the 4x1600 record.”
The 4x1600 state record is a feat that hasn’t been broken since 2000 when Delray Beach Atlantic set the current mark of 17:42. That’s an average mile of roughly 4:25. Jaworski says the team has done the math and thinks they have a great shot.
“It’s about 4:25 right now and with our pr’s that we’ve run either in meets or time trials we are already close to it but it would mean a lot. It would just solidify a great senior year. We only have a few chances to break it, flrunners.com Primetime, UF Relays, and then hopefully if we go to New Balance Outdoor Nationals.”
Jaworski, who has had plenty of success in a Saints uniform, says it’s not about the championships but about the time you put in.
“I want to be remembered as the kid who wasn’t the most talented but worked the hardest and set an example for the future teams to come as to what hard work can do.”
Getting To Know Griffin Jaworski
Nicknames: “T-Rex because I run with my arms weird.”
How would you describe yourself in three words? ”Skinny, runner, and freckled.”
What’s your favorite cartoon character and why? “Harry Potter isn’t really a cartoon character but those books are awesome.”
Favorite high school memory: “I’ll miss all of our random team bonding activities that we did, Brevard Running Camp. I will not miss Chapy’s (our coach) driving though, plenty of scary moments there."
What is your dream job? “My dream job is running marathons professionally.”
Best advice anyone has ever given you? “You better lose yourself in the music, the moment, you own it, you better never let it go. You only get one shot do not miss your chance to blow this opportunity comes once in a lifetime.-Eminem.”
Final thoughts: I just want to thank my mom and dad, but especially my mom, she was diagnosed with type one diabetes 20 years ago, and on Sunday she’s doing the Austin Marathon. It will be her 20th marathon and she has just really inspired me that there is always a way to overcome obstacles or something. Also, watch out for my sister. She’s a littler version of me and she’s going to be a beast.