Column
By Raunaq Singh, HHS Columnist
Tyler Foss was never the most popular kid in school. However, track, his lifelong passion, helped him come out of his shell by allowing him to get involved and excel at something.
Now a graduating senior in Hightstown High School’s Class of 2011, Tyler has been one of the most standout athletes in the history of East Windsor achieving times of 49 seconds in the 400 race; 1:56 in the 800 race; and 4:33 in the mile race.
His running career started in eighth grade when he finally decided to try out cross-country. Having been a soccer player his whole life, Tyler knew that he was in good enough shape to pick up running.
As a freshman entering high school, Tyler was put on the varsity cross-country team, which led him to achieve three freshman records including the 800, 1600 and 3200. The following year, Tyler established himself on the 4×400-relay team and started to realize his potential as a sprinter.
However, his defining experience in tenth grade was making it to the cross-country state championships. It was the first time in nine years the cross-country team made it all the way to state.
Eleventh grade brought many accomplishments for Tyler, including placing fourth in the Meet of Champions for Indoor Track.
Although failing to qualify for the 800 individual race, the 4×400 team ventured on to Nike Indoor Nationals in Boston. This led to more success in spring track including a fifth place finish at the Meet of Champions with a 4×400 time of 3:17, breaking the previous record of 3:22 at PENN relays.
This outstanding performance was then followed up with a sixth place finish at New Balance Outdoor Nationals with the 4×400 team.
For perspective on how big this is, picture four kids running on a track. Now, imagine those four kids running against 32 other kids of Mercer County and winning. Then, imagine that those same four kids are running against 1,960 other kids and are continuing to win. After all of this, these same four kids run against the best of the nation and take home sixth place. That’s what Tyler’s team accomplished last year.
That’s not too shabby, right?
This year, Tyler achieved a different type of success leadership within team. As a senior, Tyler held the honor of captain.
As part of his duties as captain, Tyler has been mentoring the young runners.
For instance, Tyler sees a lot of talent in freshman Luke Dermody.
"I could not be more proud of Luke," said Tyler. "He is a very strong runner and he has already broken some of the records that I set during my freshman year. It makes me proud that I could help him through his first year. It was an honor to be the captain."
Tyler credits Coach Tom McCafferty for a good portion of his successes on the track.
Indeed, much of Tyler’s confidence and dedication is credited to track.
"It may sound corny, but before track, it was hard to be that dedicated about anything. And, track gave me something to put my ‘all’ into."
However, along with Tyler’s dedication to running, there have also been many high expectations set before him.
"There have been a few times where I have just been so disappointed in my own performance that I’ve broken down crying. It helps me (to) remind myself that I am still human and I don’t always have my best days."¶
Looking back, Tyler also recalled some of the uplifting traditions established within the track team. For Tyler, one of the most important traditions of the team is keeping up with the TV show "South Park." 95 percent of the joking within the team pertains to a South Park reference, Tyler explained, which helps the team bond and come together.
In all seriousness, Tyler values and understands the importance of running and all it has taught him.
"To anybody who is thinking about running or just starting to run, I say, ‘just stay with it.’ You may not be the best runner but so what? Running is more about beating yourself and doing things that you thought were impossible. Nobody starts off being the best. It takes time and dedication. Running is the only sport where you get what you put into it. If you don’t try at practice and slack on your runs, then (your) performance won’t be good. It will reflect the effort you put in.
"The same is true for when you put in tons of work and try your best at everything you do. You will see the effect of your effort. I guarantee it."
When asked about the future, Tyler said he wants to establish a legacy in which people remember him.
As he looks to graduate high school on June 16, Tyler will leave as an All-American, honor athlete and role model. That being said, it won’t be hard to remember Tyler.
Raunaq Singh is a sophomore at Hightstown High School and the Herald’s HHS columnist. To reach him directly, or to learn more about his "Faces in the Crowd" column, e-mail [email protected].

