Meet Exciting XCTF Standout Zachary Oh

Here at Blake, athletes from popular sports like basketball or football are often easily recognizable. However, some talented athletes fly under the radar. Meet Junior Zachary Oh, a cross-country and track standout who has made a name for himself on the “home stretch,” but may not be as well known in the hallways.   

Cross country (also known as XC) and track & field don’t usually receive the same attention as other sports. When asked about his motivation and continued focus on running and training goals, especially when not receiving the same level of recognition as others, Zach shared that he finds motivation in “chasing after certain time goals” and cherishing the people around him. “My coaches, teammates, and definitely my parents are big motivators [for me].”

Zach enjoys getting out and “doing something instead of being at home all the time.” When asked if there are any low points, Zach stated, “There definitely is.” “There are times when [the thought of giving up or quitting] comes to mind. But Zach’s support system and motivators keep him going and “showing up.” 

When asked about his typical training week, Zach provided detailed information about the extensive stamina-building and workouts he participates in. Zach trains six times a week. Mondays and Fridays he calls “easy days.” An easy day for Zachary Oh is a 6 Mile run! Tuesdays and Thursdays are “workout days,” where he works on “race pace, specific workouts [stretching], and threshold.” “Maybe the coaches will also throw in some up-tempo,” Zach added. Tuesdays and Thursdays are typically more challenging for Zach because he runs 8-10 miles. 

Balancing running, school, and multiple athletic seasons can be hard. Sometimes Zach procrastinates on his school work, but he knows it’s best to get it done. “It can be tiring after running, and all I want to do is flop down on the floor when I’m home.” Zach runs about 40-50 miles a week! 

All athletes face setbacks. When asked about any injuries or setbacks he’s faced, thankfully, none were career-threatening. However, “Last year was a pretty rough year,” Zach added.  He had a left calf strain that affected his running form and caused him a couple of DNFs (Did not finish) due to it. It was “really tough and damaging.” “It was definitely a hard path in my life…I wanted to quit, but just coming back and [focusing on] rehab [helped a lot].” Zach reflected on these moments and noted the importance of patience and taking time to reflect. “Injuries are bound to happen. Unless you’re some sort of [superhuman],” he jokes. Zach lives for running: “Cross country and track are a very big part of my life, aside from my family…It’s basically my whole life!” 

When sharing a memorable experience, Zach didn’t mention a big race or win; he was the first Blake student to ever win the Boys 3200m at the MCPS Indoor County Championship Meet, and was one of the two first-time All-County honor recipients running for Blake. Zach has experienced many accomplishments, records, and personal bests. Yet when sharing his most memorable and favorite experience, he talked about two Blake runners who graduated last year, Sam and Semir. “Every Saturday we would go on these crazy long runs that were 12-13 miles.” “It would be really, really, difficult.” After these runs, the two seniors would lift his spirits and take him to go out and eat a “good and rewarding [meal].” 

Zach shouted out Coach Oxely and Coach Petros for making a significant impact on his running career. These coaches provide consistent support and structure for workouts. He adds that Coach Petros lives “all the way up in Virginia,” but still makes the effort to show up to “99% of my practices, workouts, and never misses a meet.” Coach Petros’s guidance also helps in adapting to training loads and managing injuries. 

XC and track have shaped Zach into a leader. “I enjoy encouraging others.” The attributes and lessons he’s learned while running have helped him with his job and school life. “Being able to direct, be a leader… It’s helped me with my communication skills.” 

Closing up the conversation, Zach shared a fun fact. When asked if he were to pick a place to run anywhere in the world, and where it would be, Zach found that question tough, as “there are so many amazing places.” He mentioned Flagstaff, Arizona and California as his top choices. Emphasizing how “Maryland weather is so inconsistent.” Arizona and California have much more enjoyable weather. Zach ultimately chose California because “it’s not as dry and the altitude is great.” 

Thank you so much for your time and insight, Zach! Bengals, be sure to check out a Blake cross country or a track & field meet sometime soon to cheer on Zach and his teammates!!