Ellie Horton
Staff Writer
Before the sun emerges on the horizon, Florida Southern College’s cross country team is already up and training at local high school tracks. Among the many cross country runners, one in particular stands out, David Tomchinksy, who has been rewarded Runner of the Week.
Recently, Tomchinsky won an event by obtaining the fastest time out of 82 runners.
The kind of success that senior Tomchinsky has achieved does not merely happen overnight.
The onset of his notable career was in high school where, in his sophomore year, he discovered a love for cross country which he pursued into college.
“My freshman year I came in focusing on running and school,” Tomchinsky said.
Entering into Florida Southern, Tomchinsky was not only focused on cross country, but he was also determined to stay on top of his academics.
“It’s tough, but you find that balance. Since I’m a senior it’s easier now, but you definitely have to find those priorities and the time management skills for college athletics,” Tomchinsky said.
As a communications major, Tomchinsky is not only involved in the classroom, but is also immersed in other areas of campus.
Tomchinsky is writing for the Southern Newspaper, is the sports producer for Florida Southern’s sports show and aspires to pursue sports broadcasting in the future as a reporter or an anchor.
Furthermore, Tomchinsky was named All-Academic Cross Country Team multiple times.
Ben Martucci, head coach of the men’s cross country team, stresses the importance of maintaining athletics and academics.
“If you’re not balanced appropriately, you’re not going to be successful,” Martucci said.
With the accomplishments he has attained, Tomchinsky has got his act together.
Since the start of his college career, Tomchinsky has been decorated with numerous awards and honors.
Freshman year, he earned USTFCCA All-American Cross Country Team, SSC Commissioner’s Honor Roll and finished 24th in the NCCA South Regionals.
Sophomore year, Tomchinsky received SSC All-Championship Team, All-South Region Honoree and finished eighth at the SSC Championships.
Junior year, he secured a third place finish at the UT Early Bird Classic, 12th at the NCAA South Regionals and All-SSC.
These awards encompass only a few of Tomchinsky’s many outstanding achievements
“Hard work and dedication, that’s what it’s all about, and it’s finally coming through for David,” Martucci said.
Not only has Tomchinsky been an impressive runner individually, but he has also been a great contributor to his team.
“He keeps the team on their heels the whole time. Without leadership, things can fall off track,” Martucci said.
The goals Tomchinsky hope this year holds for him, and the team, include winning regionals, qualifying for nationals and individually placing in the top 5 at regionals.
“I’m very optimistic about this season, the team has potential to be one of the best in school history,” Tomchinsky said.
The runner’s enthusiasm is not in vain as he has already achieved Runner of the Week, a feat that is bestowed upon the top finisher at Conference for that week.
Though athletics and academics consume a large part of Tomchinsky’s career, he always finds time for relaxation and his social life.
