On Thursday, May 11, 2023, Upper Dublin seniors Ryan O’Hara & Matt Castronuovo were recognized for committing to compete in cross country/track at the collegiate level (photo includes Kyree Butler who also competes in track)
Matt Castronuovo – Georgia Institute of Technology (Cross Country/Track)
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Final list of colleges: Georgia Tech, Pitt, Virginia Tech, Vanderbilt
Reasons for choosing Georgia Tech: “Great team environment, immediate opportunity for growth, supportive coaching staff and amazing campus.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in cross country/track at the collegiate level? “I first realized I had the chance to run at the collegiate level in 10thgrade in track season when my coach told me I had a lot of potential. Ever since then, I decided to work as hard as I could to achieve my dream. After cross country season 11thgrade, I decided to reach out to a lot of coaches, but I had to improve before some of the coaches I really wanted to talk to reached back out. After a lot of hard work and persistence, I finally decided on GT.”
Coach Paul Vandegrift says: “Matt is going to get a lot better in college, and GT is a good place for that to happen. Time in the weight room and more mileage is sure to take him to the next level as he steps up to 10K.”
About Matt:
Favorite food: Mac ‘n Cheese
Favorite movie: Baby Driver
Favorite artist: Kanye West
Ryan O’Hara – Chestnut Hill College (Cross Country/Track & Field)
Major: Exercise Science
Final list of colleges: Chestnut Hill, Gwynedd Mercy, Arcadia
Reasons for choosing Chestnut Hill: “It was one of my better Division 2 offers, and it was in the area, so I could live at home while going to college. It came down to those three (schools) primarily because of their proximity to my house, but I feel like this is my best opportunity to continue running, stay in the area and go to a good school all at the same time.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in cross country/track at the collegiate level? “I have wanted to run in college since eighth grade, but the first time I realized this was a possibility and not just a dream was when I got my first offer from Muhlenberg, and I had three or four college recruitment letters sent to the school for me in just a week after that during the winter of my junior year.”
Coach Paul Vandegrift says: “Ryan has worked hard and been dedicated to getting better. I’m happy Ryan was able to find a place he’ll be able to contribute. Running gives him focus for the rest of his life, and I’m so glad he can continue with it at Chestnut Hill.”
About Ryan:
Favorite food: “My favorite food is any pasta with meat in it, beef especially.”
Favorite TV show: Bones
Favorite movie: A Beautiful Mind
Favorite music: “My favorite genre is either alternative rock or R&B, depending on the day and how I’m feeling.”
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