Sean Zurko

Which sport do you play? Throughout my life I have played multiple sports such as baseball, and soccer, but during my high school career I focused my athletic attention towards both varsity Cross-Country and Track.

What school do you attend? I have attended Silverado High School all four years.

How long have you competed and what motivated you to get involved in your sport? I have been running competitively for the last seven years.  I started my running career on the lizards a no longer existing local team coached by Tony Kyriacu. After joining the team I became motivated through the concept that the harder you work the better your reward is.  I want, one day to run for the United States Olympic team. And as I get older I see my times dropping closer to the qualifying times.

What do you like most about your sport? Track has done more for me than just keep me in shape, it’s given me self discipline as well has the ability to take charge and become a leader rather than a follower. I feel that those are among the reasons as to why I enjoy my sport.

What is your favorite sport to watch on TV and why? Although I rarely have the opportunity to watch TV, due to the fact that I juggle academics, athletics and a part time management job, but when the chance arises I find interest in professional and college track.  I also enjoy watching the NFL season.

Who is your favorite athlete or person you draw inspiration from? Why do you draw inspiration from this person? The person that I draw inspiration from is from my sister. She may only be a few months older than me, but I do look up to her greatly. She was the 2006 valedictorian and while studying also did two sports and took part in multiple clubs. She now is attending Duke University. Is it because of her strong motivation and determination that I am able to keep my self focused in school and determined while on the track.

Do you think that being an athlete helps or hinders you with your academic studies? The right to take part of a school sport is a privilege that I am grateful for. So I think that being an athlete helps me greatly, because it keeps me motivated to keep my GPA at the 3.5 that it’s at now, so that in the end I can succeed in both the classroom as well as the track.

What is the biggest challenge for a student/athlete? The toughest challenge for a student athlete is the constant moving. Unlike normal students we are unable to go home after school we have to go to practice if not a meet and then for others work. After all that is done we then can finally go home and start our homework. Finally after all is done we can go to sleep with the idea that we are starting the trend over again the following day.

Do you plan on pursuing your sport at the college level? I have signed a full athletic scholarship to Texas Christian University (TCU), where I plan to pursue a degree in Architecture.

Do you have a favorite saying? I like the saying, ”your only as good as your slowest runner” because although track can be seen as an individual sport, we all come together to win as a team. I alone cannot win the 4x800 let alone an entire meet.  I like this quote because it makes me want to inspire other athletes to do there best, and I think that the saying is very motivating.

Any other comments that you think may be necessary for this questionnaire? My accomplishments as well as where I am today could only be reality due to the constant support and push from my parents and family.  I thank them for all they have done for me.  I also have all my coaches to thank for their constant advice and support. And the Las Vegas Track Club for letting me take part of their running family…. I thank them all and I want everyone noted above that all my accomplishments are also yours…. Thank You.

Please list any accomplishments you are proud of achieving in your sport:
High School Achievements:
Las Vegas track club member 2000-2007
Silverado Varsity Cross country 2003-2007
Silverado Varsity Track 2003- 2007
Cross country Regional team champion 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006
Track Regional team champion 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
Cross country State team runner-ups 2003 and 2004
Track state team champion 2005
400 meter region champion 2007
800-meter regional champion 2005 and 2006, 2007
4 x 800 meter regional champion 2004, 2005, and 2006, 2007
1600-meter regional champion 2006
800-meter state champion 2005 and 2006, 2007
4 x 800-meter relay state champions 2005 and 2006, 2007
4 x 800-meter state record holders
2nd Place at Mt. Sac relays in the open 800-meter
4th Place at Mt. Sac relays in the 4x800-meter relay
4th place at Golden West in the open 800-meter 2006
1St in the USATF regional open 800-meter
1st in the USATF regional open 1600-meter
2nd in the USATF regional 4x400-meter relay
2nd Caribbean Classic Puerto Rico open 800-meter 2006
2nd Caribbean Classic Puerto Rico open 1500-meter 2006
6th at Junior Olympics in the open 800-meter final 2006
11th at Junior Olympics in the open 1500-meter final 2006
2nd at the Arcadia Invitational in the 4x800 meter final  2007 *currently the second fastest time in the nation
3rd  at the Arcadia Invitational in the open 800 meter final 2007 *currently the 7th fastest time in the nation 
1st at the Mt sac Invitational in the 4x800 meter final 2007   
1st in the Mt. Sac Invitational in the open 800 meter final 2007

Records Currently held:
Del Sol High School 800-meter, 4 x 400-meter, 4 x 800-meter and 1600-meter
Reno High School 800-meter and 4 x 800-meter stadium record holder
Silverado High School  800-meter, 4 x 800-meter, 4 x 400-meter record holder
Liberty  High School  800-meter, 4x800-meter stadium record holder
Boulder City High School 800-meter, 4x800-meter stadium record holder
Green Valley High School 800-meter, 1600-meter, 4x800-meter stadium record holder
Moapa High School  800-meter, 1600-meter 4x800-meter stadium record holder
Bonanza High School  800-meter, 4x800-meter stadium record holder
Palo Verde High School 800-meter, 4x400-meter, sprint medley, distance medley, 4x1600-meter, 4x800-meter stadium record holder
Coronado High School 800-meter, 4x800-meter stadium record holder
Foothill High School  800-meter, 4x800-meter stadium record holder
Shadow Ridge High School 800-meter, 4x800-meter stadium record holder
Regional 4x800 meet record as well as the state record
Regional open 800 meter record

Personal Best Times
200 Meters    22.4
400 Meters    47.8
800 Meters    1:51.23
1500 Meters    4:06
1600 Meters    4.18
4x100 Relay leg   11.7
4x200 Relay leg   21.4
4x400 Relay leg   46.5
4x800 Relay leg   1:51.55