Falcon sprinter Gavin Buxton signs with Merrimack College

Bow senior Gavin Buxton had an undefeated sprint for the Division II title in the 55-meter dash for indoor winter track. This spring, he won the title for the 100-meter dash.

His strong performance this Saturday wasn’t hindered much by the wet conditions on the track. His personal bests of 6.52 seconds in the 55m and 10.90s in the 100m are school records for the Falcons.

As he heads into the Meet of Champions this Saturday, his goal is to set another school record, this time in the 200-meter.

His current best is 22.55s, but he’s hoping to bring that down even further after finishing third at the D-II outdoor champs.

It’s been an eventful finish of a high school career to say the least. Last Wednesday, he signed on to join Merrimack College’s Track and Field team this upcoming fall.

The speedy Falcon is still locked in on a strong finish. First the MOC, then New England’s, and plenty of racing left to do.

Each week, the previous athlete of the week asks the first question to the next student chosen. Here’s that question:

Q: How do you deal with plateaus or periods of stagnation in your sport? – Genny Blanchette, Merrimack Valley Track and Field

A: Dealing with plateaus can be mentally tough, but the best way I handle them is by
taking a step back and regrouping. I go back to the basics, focus on the small details,
and rebuild from there so I can come back stronger and keep improving.

Q: What do you love most about your Track & Field team?

A: What I love most about my team is the support we have for each other. Everyone
pushes one another to be better, and we celebrate each other’s success like it’s our
own. I have had the same coaches all four years of high school track. I know them and
they know me as a person and a sprinter, so there is a level of comfort and trust at this
point that really works.

Q: What’s the most challenging aspect of being a sprinter?

A: The most challenging part about being a sprinter is keeping your body healthy.
Sprinting puts a lot of stress on your body, so taking extra time outside of practice to
recover and prepare for the next day is key. I am mindful of what I eat, hydrate and
ensure I get good sleep.

Q: How have you worked to become a better runner?

A: I broke down my form completely and started from scratch. By focusing on technique
and building it back up step by step, I’ve been able to develop into the sprinter I am
today.

Q: What’s your favorite event and why?

A: My favorite event is the 100-meter because my block start is my biggest strength, and
it gives me an advantage right from the beginning of the race. I practice my block starts
regularly, watch videos of my starts to fine-tune my form.

Q: How did it feel to become a champion in the winter and spring?

A: Becoming a champion was a huge confidence boost going into the outdoor season.
Last year, I didn’t even make states in the 55-meter, so being able to come back and
win it this year felt incredible. My spring season did not go as planned and I was unable
to train the weeks leading up to states the way I wanted to due to injury. I knew I had
tough competition and I went into states knowing I had to give it everything I had and
then some to be a champion again. I knew I had done it as I crossed the finish line and
I was pumped; it was a great feeling.

Q: Why did you choose to continue your academic and athletic career at Merrimack
College?

A: I met with several different coaches and track teams from different colleges this past
fall. My goal was to run for a D1 College and Merrimack College checked all the boxes
for me. I liked the coaches, connected with my future teammates, and most importantly, Merrimack College has a strong business program, which is what I will be studying next
year.

Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give a runner just starting out?

A: To go out and run and gain experience. Practice with other runners who are faster
and who have mastered their technique so you can learn from them.