Barnett balances life, sports

Senior Nathan Barnett has been a member of Milton’s track and cross-country teams throughout his high school career.  

Nathan said he decided to do cross-country and track because he wanted to challenge himself. Nathan said that he began the sports after some older friends on the teams encouraged him to join.  In track he does the 4×800 meter relay, 4×400 meter relay, 800 meter dash and the 400 meter dash. 

Cross-country Coach Jonathan Dick said has been coaching Nathan since Nathan was in seventh grade. Coach Dick said that Nathan is a gifted athlete with a lot of potential. 

 “The biggest improvement for Nate has been in his mental game where he now believes that he can compete against anyone,” he added. 

Nathan won a District medal in his sophomore year for cross country as well as recognition from the Pennsylvania Heartland Athletic Conference. 

He said he does have some pre-game superstitions. Nathan explained that he would eat a honey stick before a race, wear a District champion shirt and say a prayer.  

Nathan said that his best memory was “running at the District meet in Williamsport sophomore year and feeling the pressure.”     

Last year Nathan lost his junior season in track due to the Covid-19 pandemic. He said he responded to the loss of his season by learning something about himself. 

“I realized it’s not the main goal in life. Sure it sucks, but I don’t want to waste my days being upset when I have the opportunity to impact others,” said Nathan. 

 This season Nathan said that what motivated him the most was “seeing what I can do as an athlete and seeing how far I can take the name of Milton.” 

Nathan also has some advice for future athletes: “Realize that it’s just a sport at the end of the day. Don’t let it affect who you are outside of the sport.” 

According to Nathan, the most difficult challenge this year has been “being okay with the change and it not being the same, being grateful for what I do get.” He also said he has come to understanding that life is unpredictable and learning to adapt is important.  

Nathan said that there is a possibility of participating on a track team in college but that’s not certain. He said he plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh to major in Psychology.