VYPE editor Brad Heath caught up with James Gallant (not on foot) to discuss his season in cross country and what makes him go.

VYPE: James, what grade are you in and when did you start competing in cross country?

James Gallant: I am a sophomore and have been running since 2020. Since we couldn’t go anywhere that summer, my dad challenged me to run 100 miles in 100 days, and I haven’t stopped since.  

VYPE: Who has been a big influence in your life? I’m guessing your father.

JG: My dad, because he is always pushing me to be my best and to run the times he couldn’t when he was in high school.

VYPE: This seems like a close team. Talk about what this team means to you.

JG: I love everybody’s passion for running and the competitiveness on the team. We run collectively as a team, and we are stronger together! Also, we are led by Coach Reichert, who is a great coach that knows how to put us in a position to be successful.    

VYPE: Which teammate pushes you the most?

JG: Connor Garcia and I are always pushing each other. We have a competitive rivalry that helps both of us grow and improve.

VYPE: How is this season going?

JG: The season has been going great! We have put in a lot of hard work and the results speak to that.  

VYPE: How do you prepare yourself mentally for competition?

JG: It starts with the day before the race. Without giving away any team secrets, we meet as a group, discuss goals, write those goals down, and visualize those goals.

VYPE: Are you involved in any other activities at school?

JG: As of right now, I just run cross country in the fall and track in the spring.  Once I become an upperclassman, I plan to join the National Honor Society.

VYPE: What’s your favorite subject in school?

JG: My favorite subject is Engineering. It provides hands-on experiences that help me better understand the concepts being taught.   

VYPE: How do you enjoy spending your free time?

JG: I enjoy spending my free time hanging out with my friends and teammates. The night before each meet, the varsity runners get together to hang out and have meatball subs.

VYPE: What does life look like after you graduate from high school?
JG: I would like to go run for a Division 1 college after graduation.