Thomas Smigo remains focused on his goal to run a sub four-minute mile.
He is looking forward to his next chance at the New Balance Nationals in Philadelphia June 17.
His last quest registered a time of 4:13.05 – and earned Smigo a gold medal – in the 1,600 at the PIAA Track and Field Championships at Shippensburg University. It resulted in a new Palisades school record, and capped off the high school career of one of Pennsylvania’s most accomplished runners.
In addition, Smigo finished 12th in the state’s 3,200 in a time of 9:31.38. Smigo, who won two state cross country titles, also was part of the Pirates’ 1,600 relay team, which finished third in a time of 3:24.99.
Though his masterpiece four-year run as a Pirate is coming to an end, Smigo has an opportunity to add more treasure to his chest when he begins his collegiate career at Lehigh University in the fall.
Smigo has relished the moments, but isn’t totally satisfied.
“I was happy with the win at states, but I know I can go faster,” he stressed. “I know I have to work on my pace. My first 800 was 2:14 and my last was 1:59, so I know I can do it.
“Although it wouldn’t be a stain on my legacy at Palisades, I wanted to be known as a cross country and track runner.”
For Smigo, the years have quickly passed.
“It’s hard to believe how these four years have gone by,” he gushed. “Over the season, I was extremely happy with my performances. Even before spring track started, I was doing well in indoor track. I ran a 4:17 in the 1,600, which was a huge improvement from the previous winter.”
During the season, Smigo also ran the 400 and 800, both of which he dropped his times from last year.
Despite all of the accolades, Smigo’s proudest moments weren’t individually related.
“I would say my proudest moments were those when I had team success,” he stated. “In my freshman year, we were one point away from being district champions, and this year I was proud of our 4x400 relay team. We dropped the school record from 3:28.92 to 3:24.99. I had a PR (personal record) in the race by nearly a second.”
The reality of his high school career ending has settled in, and the beginning of a new chapter is on the horizon.
“It’s absolutely crazy to think that I am basically done running for Palisades,” he deadpanned. “I am extremely excited to start a new career at Lehigh.
“I am proud of what I was able to accomplish, and help the program in any way that I could.”
For Smigo, the adage of one door closing and another one opening is about to come to fruition.
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