Cardozo’s track team holds some of the toughest students in the city. Whether it’s mentally or physically, the runners’ determination and dedication help them win.
Not many high school students are able to balance extracurricular activities and academics, but Cardozo junior Eric Kam is able to keep up with both consistently. As a 600-meter runner and a dedicated member of the Cardozo’s PSAL program, Kam maintains a high GPA and maintains a spot on the principal’s honor roll.
The student athlete stays dedicated to his team and his sport throughout the year. “I still run on and off today. In track, there’s many different kinds of workouts that we cycle through, like going on long runs and stride outs afterwards or running at race pace multiple times,” he explained.
Kam’s passion for running started in middle school, with his coach being the biggest inspiration in his life. In his freshman year, he dominated the boys 600-meter, a middle-distance track event, and received a fourth place medal.
“My goal is to be able to run regularly and continue to get better at track, while also balancing my academics,” Kam said.
Running on the track team has taught him endurance. Especially on harder days, he is able to use these moments as motivation. “If there is no struggle, there is no progress,” is a popular saying by Frederick Douglass that Kam quotes regularly and uses to help keep his mind right while being on a PSAL team. In addition, the team environment plays a big part in his dedication to the track team.
“My teammates are really supportive of me,” Kam said. “It definitely makes running way more comfortable and I’m really glad I have them. I really appreciate it when my friends cheer me on. I felt unstoppable.”
Despite the long practice hours that comes with being a student athlete, Kam recognizes the importance of academics. With a schedule packed with AP and honors classes, and a position as marketing head in the “Color A Smile” Club, Kam demonstrates his ability to balance multiple things as a high schooler.
“I plan to go to college after high school and I feel like my GPA plays a huge role in the application process,” he explained.
When he’s not running, many of his friends notice Kam’s efforts to stay organized and manage his time properly, which ensures that his schoolwork is turned in on time. Outside of school, Kam loves traveling and trying new foods.
“My friends always come to me for restaurant recommendations,” he said. “Eating in different cities around the world opens up the opportunity for me to try new things. Traveling lets me see new places in a different perspective; it’s my way of learning their culture.”
