Senior Swan Song: Max Cannarella

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

My most memorable race was the 4x400 at the Air Force High School Open, when I ran my fastest 400 split of 50 seconds.

Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?

My biggest competition over the last four years had been against myself and my mindset about what my limits were and what I needed to do to push past them.

What was your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment was qualifying for state in a 4x200 my freshman year.

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

I would have started running club track freshman year and tried to create stronger bonds with my teammates earlier on.

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?

One was always being the shadow of a better athlete. But in the end it taught me how to lead and push myself harder because my time would come. Another was injury my junior year, and even though I tried to push through, my season was cut short. 

What will you miss the most?

I will miss the rush before every race, and the emotion following a PR or a first place finish. Also, I will miss talking to all the athletes I have competed against who all have their own story about why they run track.

What advice would you give to younger athletes?

Take care of your mind and body throughout the season. They work together during every event you do so make sure you pay attention to both. Also never say you can't achieve something. If you have a goal and you are disciplined, it is always within reach for you. Just keep working.

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

The most impact came from my club coaches of one season. They really saw what I was good at and capable of. The drills they provided for me through the season I have continued to use. As for life goals they have told me things along the lines of success is not given, it's earned and focus on yourself until you are knowledgeable enough to help others, so you teach and they learn proper technique.

What are your college plans?

I will be attending Colorado Mesa University in the fall but will not be participating on the track team.

I would like to say thank you to my school coaches for allowing me to have multiple experiences and finding out what was best for me. To my teammates for believing the sky's the limit for me and being very supportive. To my club coaches for helping me push past that last barrier to achieve full potential. And finally to my family for being at almost all of my meets and showing me never ending support.