By Steve Svetovich
Holy Cross senior Andrew Healey has spent the past four years excelling in cross country, track and in the class room.
Most recently, the cross country standout won a league meet and then finished in second place in the PIAA Foundation Class 1A race Saturday, September 21, at Hershey’s Parkview Course. He was only three seconds behind the winner.
Son of Chris and Maura Healey, Andrew said he knew the Foundation race would be fast and competitive. “There were a lot of good kids in the field,” he said. “I just tried to stay up front and towards the end it was me and the two kids from Penns Valley near the front.
“Going up the last hill I just tried my hardest to push out ahead but ended up getting caught. It was a good effort. The race gave me a lot of confidence.”
Andrew said he has been running cross country for six years, counting two seasons in junior high school. He won medals in state competition for cross country as a sophomore and junior.
He is also a four-year member of the Holy Cross track and field team where he runs the 3200 and 1600. He was a district champion as a freshman and sophomore in the 3200 and as a sophomore and junior in the 1600. He earned medals in state competition in the 3200 as a sophomore and junior.
Andrew more than excels in the class room. He has a highly impressive 4.2 academic average. His best and favorite subject is history.
He is a member of Student Council, the History Club and the Foreign Languages Club at Holy Cross.
The scholar-athlete said he is undecided about a college or major, but knows he wants to be a cross country and track runner at a higher level beyond high school.
His cross country and track coach at Holy Cross is Alex Hugley.
“He pushes us very hard in both sports,” said Andrew. “He knows we have to work very hard and do our best to be good.”
Humble and polite in nature, Andrew said his parents taught him a lot. “My parents teach me how important it is to be a part of a team. They encourage me to be a team player. They tell me to do it for the team.”
Andrew talked about what it takes to excel in cross country and track on the high school level. “It’s all about working hard, being consistent and having the dedication to succeed. It works that way in both sports.”
The talented runner compared that type of dedication to what it takes to excel in the class room. “What it takes in school is very similar to what you need to succeed as a runner,” he said. “You have to put the time and effort in.”
Well versed, Andrew said he enjoys music and would like to see the rapper Drake in concert.
He is thoroughly enjoying his experience at Holy Cross as his senior year progresses.
“I love it here. Holy Cross is a small school, but that gives it a closer atmosphere. You know all the students and teachers. It is a very supportive environment. It’s great.”