Lake City High School Athlete of the Month: Zack Holbrook

Zack Holbrook is this year’s valedictorian at Lake City High School. The 18-year-old senior is a star cross country and track and field runner who has learned never to give up.

Zack is an accomplished high school athlete and student. He’s taken several Advanced Placement (AP) courses in which he scored 5, the highest score possible on the eight classes that he’s finished. He is currently enrolled in seven AP classes.

Zack’s personal best mile time is 4:37 and for the 5K is 16:39. He went to state for the first three years that he ran cross country, but a preseason injury last fall prevented him from going. That injury has proven to be one of his biggest challenges to date.

“I got a MRI of my left foot, and I was told that liquid was pooling in the bone marrow of my foot, which could cause stress fractures. The doctor told me that I needed to take a break from running. This was hard for me to do because it was my senior season …. However, I did what was best and listened to the advice of my doctor and coach,” Zack explained.

He learned a lot about healing from his cross country and track distance coach, Heather Harmon-Reed, who was hit by a car and continues to run as she deals with the aftermath of her injuries. “(She) has taught me the value of never giving up.”

And for Zack, who plans on attending MIT to pursue a career in engineering and computer science, it’s the camaraderie that solidifies his dedication to cross country and track. “The team is like a second family to me and is always fun to be with,” Zack said.

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