In Holiday, Florida, located in Pasco County and about 45 minutes northwest of the Tampa Bay area, Anclote High School Senior Argishti Gazari runs past the competition on his journey toward states. He began running during his sophomore year and has been committed to becoming better and faster each and every day. Now being one of the top 2A runners in Florida, Gazari has set a goal in mind, and it is to take home the state championship this November. Gazari came to America after 9th grade and started at Anclote High just over two years ago. He was born in Armenia and lived there for 13 years. He later moved to Russia and lived there prior to traveling to America.
“The origin of my name comes from the name of Argishti I, who was the king of Urartu (later Armenia.)”
In just two short years, Gazari has lowered his time greatly and has the mindset to lower it even more in his final high school cross country season. Gazari and his coach, Alan Parmenter, have been working tirelessly at trying to reach the goals for Gazari.
“Argishti started off his training in May, slowly building up his mileage until he was consistently running 70 miles per week. When it is time to run quality, Argishti is on and when it is time to recover, he knows that it is to his benefit to take it easy on his easy days. He runs with the mindset that every workout that he does is getting him more and more ready for November 19th,” Parmenter said.
At the surprise of many, Gazari ran an amazing 15:33 three mile at the Mitchell Invite. This time has placed him at the top of the 2A individuals list.
“I think I was more focused on racing than on time,” said Gazari.
The season has become not only a very important one for Argishti, but also a very busy one. On top of running and attending high school, Gazari works 30 hours per week.
“I try to finish all my homework during school, then I go to practice and my Coach helps me to get the full workout in every day. He fits it into one hour and thirty minutes and makes sure that I won't be late for work.”
Through his tiring schedule Gazari has found a way to fully train and improve his time greatly in the process. He and Coach Parmenter have high expectations for this season that include a large improvement in 5k time, down to 15:10, and a 2A state title. Argishti showed that he could someday become a good runner from his early years on track and field in the 1600 and 3200.
“He ran 4:50 in the 1600 at District his sophomore year. After that, it was about putting in the miles. Last year, he qualified to the State meet in Cross Country, ran a PR of 9:48 in the 3200, and was 7th in the State meet in Track in the 3200. At the beginning of the Track season, Argishti told me that he wanted to win the State meet in Cross Country this year as a senior. I believe he can do it. He believes he can do it.”
Argishti seems more surprised by his success with running as he has extraordinarily improved in just two years of running. Now he holds his place atop the 2A individual rankings.
“For me it's a little bit unbelievable because 2 years ago I wasn't even close to being the top 2A runner in the state.”
After graduating from high school, Argishti plans to go to college, with his top option being the University of South Florida right now. He would like to run in college and plans on joining the cross country team. Gazari’s goals go much further than running. He is working extremely hard on his schoolwork in order to someday get the job that he most desires, being a software developer.
“I have all A's so far and my GPA is 4.1. My favorite classes are AP Calculus and Web Design. I am planning to become a software developer.”
Gazari will continue to push through his exhausting schedule and get better on his quest to the 2A state championship in November. After he attempts to reach this goal, this Armenian native will continue to chase goals of higher education and achieving his dream career.
Personal Bests
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1600 Meter Run4:34.29
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3200 Meter Run9:48.11
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5000 Meter Run16:16.00
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