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02/26/2023 08:02 AMRunning has become synonymous with Massimo Corrick’s high school life. Whether it is to the books, the track, extracurriculars, or volunteer work in the community, he is always racing off to a new responsibility and doing it at a breakneck and prideful pace.
The Branford High School (BHS) senior began running in grade school with a running program before trekking over to soccer in middle school. Upon his freshman year, his interest in soccer began to wane, so he decided to try his hand at cross country and was off to the races.
Almost four full years later, Massimo has earned varsity letters in cross county, indoor track, and outdoor track and is a team captain in the former two campaigns this year. Also a previous winner of the indoor track team’s Desire & Dedication award, he qualified for the Class M State Championship in the 1600 this winter, which succeeded him qualifying for states in the 3200 last spring on the outdoor circuit. He was additionally named Branford’s male SCC Winter Scholar Athlete for the 2022-2023 season.
“One of the big things for me has been my coach [Branford track Head Coach Rich Biondi]. Without him, I would not be where I am right now,” says Massimo. “He pushes me to do four or five mile runs every day. Those workouts have helped me stay in shape and build up my stamina for mile and two-mile events.”
When it comes to pacing for his racing, Massimo clears his mind and avoids apprehension-inducing thoughts. After the starting gun, he fires past runners at a steady pace while taking it one length at a time.
“Before a race, I get nervous, and I try not to think about the race too much,” Massimo says. “With the race, I start slow and pass people as time goes on. I have the will to go faster as I pass more people. I also just try to sleep well and save my energy before a race.”
Massimo relishes his role as captain across multiple seasons. He denotes that he aims to please his peers in opening up in the most amiable of ways, in addition to thinking critically about constructive criticism.
“I enjoy my time with my teammates. I like to be kind and friendly to others and to help them achieve their goals,” says Massimo. “I also try to criticize them in the best way in order to help them. Away from track, we also have running dinners, hang out, and make friendships.”
In the classroom on campus, Massimo is a National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society student, plus he is co-president of the Italian Club, member of Branford Student Council, and a member of BHS Model Congress. Furthermore, he is part of the Clean Up Crew at Foote Park and Tabor Church and is a Camp Sequassen Counselor.
“Since I am a perfectionist, I like to make sure things get done in order and meticulously,” Massimo says. “I try to figure out dates where things do not coincide. I like to have a calendar on me and plan out my days. If there is a day full of club things, then I try to find time at night to run.”
Biondi boasts that Massimo has that unique blend of being approachable but also fiery and competitive once he runs out of the starting blocks and is an individual who can impact many others for years to come.
“Massimo is an amicable person who has earned many accolades in running and in the classroom,” says Biondi. “He is liked and respected by his coaches and teammates. Despite his positive demeanor, he has a competitive spirit which has enabled him to perform well in the dual and championship meets. He has a bright future, and he will make a positive impact on others in college and beyond.”
Once he reaches the big time stage of a postseason sectional, conference, or state championship heat, Massimo cools any nerves by blocking out all negativity as he tries his heart out to cross the finish line first.
“Before a postseason race, I try not to worry too much or think about bad things,” says Massimo. “I try to put those thoughts away and stay positive. I think about staying under five minutes for a time, staying in front of the crowd, and making the state time.”
Based off of his rigorous schedule that he put upon himself and has excelled with, Massimo has the track record to repeat a similar type of slate in college. As far as his time with the Hornets’ hive goes, he learned that pumping his legs can push his mind, body, and spirit to bigger achievements.
“I see myself continuing running in college. It is my passion, and I want to do it as a club sport,” Massimo says. “Obviously, I will look to balance it with my academics; I want to go into environmental sciences. Because of my time at Branford, I know I will be able to balance it. Going between the different running programs at Branford showed me how I was encouraged to keep going. I have a great relationship with Coach Biondi, and the experience has shown me how running can lead to better things. I will continue to do better for myself.”