Haverford High School’s Patrick Lawson is the Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week (Sept. 19-25)

The senior runner finished first at the recent 2022 Unionville 2-Mile Bash by running the current fastest two-mile time in the state. He is a standout runner in cross country, indoor track and spring track, finishing fourth in the 1,600 meter run at States last spring and helping the Fords place second in the 4×800; finishing in the top dozen runners in the 1,600 meter run at States last winter; and placing 16th in the PIAA Cross Country Championships last fall. Not only is Lawson a highly-recruited runner, but is one of the top academically performing students in his class. At Haverford, he is a member of Science Olympiad, Speech and Debate, and the National Honor Society.

 

Q: What was the key to your first-place finish at the Unionville 2-Mile Bash?

 

A: The key to my race plan was being patient and focused on the competition throughout the race. I didn’t want to lead the race so I hung in the back of the front pack for the first mile. Early in the second mile, the lead pack split up and I trailed behind the leader, Andrew McGonigle. With about 800 meters to go, I took the lead of the race and began my final push. McGonigle tried to pass me on the hill, but I pushed back and started my finishing kick. 

 

Q: What was your favorite memory of your cross country season last fall?

 

A: My favorite memory last season was at the Delco Championships when the Haverford trio of Ethan Fingerhut, myself, and Quentin Ryan placed 1, 2, 3 to win the Delco Champs. This was a big deal because we narrowly lost the meet by one point in 2019. 

 

Q: What sparked your original interest in cross country? Who have been your most influential cross country coaches/mentors, and what was the most important thing you learned from each of them?

 

A: I’ve ran cross country since I was in Kindergarten because my dad was a runner. I have had countless different coaches throughout my career so far. Here’s the most important thing I’ve learned from each of them:

Dad – hard work.

Coach Greg Meyers – humility.

Coach Matt Wells – the value of consistency. 

Coach Ryan Comstock: self-confidence and trusting the process.

 

Q: Last spring, you were the anchor leg for Haverford’s 4×800, which placed 5th in the Championship of America at Penn Relays. What is your favorite memory of your spring track season earlier this year?

 

A: Winning the 4×800 relay at the District 1 Championships in a close finish. I stayed with the front pack until there was 100 meters left in the race, then I moved wide and kicked for the win. 

 

Q: Tell us a little about your running shoes, the type of shoe you favor and why.

 

A: I have worn Hokas since I was 7th grade because of their strong support and cushioning that prevents injuries. For spikes, I am a big fan of the Nike Dragonflies for their lightweight speed. 

 

Q: Tell us a little about your current cross country practice regimen. What aspect of your running are you working on most recently?

 

A: My current mileage is 50 miles/week with two speed workouts a week. Our workouts generally consist of a set of intervals (200 to 1,000 meters) with jogging rest. Our training plan is focused on the balance between our aerobic and anaerobic physiological systems that depends on the time of the season. 

 

Q: Tell us a little about your pre-race preparation on the day of a race.

 

A: A couple of hours before my race I will have a meal consisting of fruit, carbs (pasta or rice) and chicken. An hour before the race I will begin an easy warmup and dynamic drills. I will follow this up by more easy running and the last five minutes of the warmup will be up-tempo. 

 

Fun facts – Patrick Lawson

Favorite book: Unbroken.

Favorite TV show: Breaking Bad.

Favorite athlete: Matt Centrowitz.

Favorite team: 76ers.

Favorite place to visit: Pennsylvania mountains.

Favorite pre-race meal: Chicken. 

Person I most admire, and why: “Eliud Kipchoge: for his humility and love for the sport, and community engagement.”

Family members: parents Johnnie and Bernadette, and brothers Sean and Anthony.

 

(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)