East County Athlete of the Week: Kevin Gyurka

The Out-of-Door Academy junior Kevin Gyurka was the only East County athlete to place in the top five in any event at the track and field state championships at the University of North Florida from May 9-10.

Gyurka ran the 1,600-meter run in 4:23.81, which was fewer than four seconds off the top time and good enough for fourth place at the 1A state championships. He also ran the 3,200-meter run in 9:29.81 and placed eighth. 

When and why did you start running track?

I started running track in elementary school around fourth grade. My kindergarten teacher (Miss Graber) saw me during run club and she really pushed me to start running track. Ever since then, I got more into running track and I just fell in love with it.

What’s been your most memorable moment this track and field season?

Probably just the runs together as a team and when everyone’s together warming up or stretching. Everyone showed up and was super invested in track and it made the team feel like a family, which was important this season.

What went right for ODA’s track and field team this season?

I think feeling as a family. Coach (Erin) Mulvihill organized team meals before every race. We warmed up together and that kind of brought everyone together. The spirits were high and everyone enjoyed coming out here.

What is your favorite running memory?

When I got third at states last year in the 3,200 (meter run). That was pretty fun. It was my first time at states and I didn’t realize how important it was. Of course at the time I was super happy, but thinking back at it, it’s probably my proudest moment.

What went right for you this track and field season?

I think a change in attitude. I started believing in myself and trusting myself. Everyone around me, like coach Mulvihill and coach (Chris) Dillingham, believed in me, which led me to believe in myself, too. Even if the races weren’t as I was expecting, they still encouraged me and motivated me. I had let myself down (early in the season), but the constant reassurance helped me get better and believe in myself again.

What has been your most humbling moment in track and field? 

Definitely the 3,200 (meter run at the state meet) this year. I came in expecting to be good and during the seventh lap I just died off. I was hoping to get top three and I just was fading and fading and got eighth. 

What’s your favorite meal?

Definitely fried chicken and rice with broccoli on the side. My mom makes good chicken.

What’s your favorite TV show or movie?

My favorite movies are probably Star Wars and Cars. I kind of grew up on that.

What’s your go-to warm-up song?

I’m definitely listening to Kanye. I like ‘Devil in a Red Dress.’ The Rick Ross verse gets me going.

If you’re not running, what are you doing?

Probably playing video games at home, like Fortnite or Forza Horizon. I’m always playing with my friends.

What does your ideal weekend look like?

Going over to my friend’s house, sleeping over and then going to Goodwill to shop and mess around. We try to find wacky, out of the ordinary stuff there. My favorite thing I’ve gotten is an ‘I paused my game to be here’ shirt.

Who is your favorite athlete and why?

Cristiano Ronaldo. I played soccer when I was little and I guess I always looked up to him, like his work ethic and the way he plays.

Finish this sentence. Kevin Gyurka is…

Funny.