Sprinting into the school year’s spring sports, Senior sprinter Donavin Eason is the first spring athlete to be nominated for East’s Athlete of the Week by coach Jim Milner, per his embodiment of E.A.S.T. ‘s core values of excellence, academics, spirit, and tradition. 

Eason began running track his freshman year and is now a three-year varsity runner. Running can be a difficult sport to stay motivated in, but Eason explains why he enjoys track and how it keeps him driven to run.

“I like track since it is an individual sport. Nobody is counting on you besides yourself. It’s just you in the lane, “ Eason said. “Track has taught me you have to put in the work to see any results.”

Throughout his career, Donavin has qualified for the Track & Field State Meet the past two years in the 110m Hurdles, 300m Hurdles, and as a member of the 4x100m Relay. Since beginning track, Eason has also broken two records in the 60m Dash and the 4x100m Relay here at East.

As evidenced by his accomplishments across his seasons at East, Donavin knows how to succeed on the track. Head Boy’s Track and Field Coach Jim Milner recognizes how Donavin has achieved all that he has. 

“Donavin consistently demonstrates dedication to his sport through hard work, discipline, and a strong competitive mindset. His commitment to improvement has helped him achieve success at a high level,” Milner said. “Whether in practice or competition, he pushes himself to perform at his best and sets a strong example for those around him.”

Outside of sports, Eason has also shown great character in the classroom. Eason’s prior Geometry teacher, Margo Littel, comments on how Eason showed up to the classroom daily.

“He knew my expectations for him, and he exceeded them. He asked his questions in class, used class time appropriately, and handled both academics and sports with grace. Even during track season, he understood that he was a student first, athlete second,” Littel said. “It was fun getting to know him and having conversations beyond the classroom. He was a pleasure to teach!”

Eason has shown excellence at being able to show up in the classroom as well as show up to perform well on the track, but he can also maintain it all while also being a part of the football team. Football and track teammate Jamari McKay comments on how he has competed in both and also shown leadership, especially on the track team.

“As teammates, we pushed each other to be better in both sports. In both sports, Donavin has really wanted it, and so he made himself better,” McKay said. “Donavin shows leadership on the track team through the way he performs in our track meets. He is a very talented and competitive guy, and if you are ever looking to get better and someone to go to every day at practice, you know who to go to Donavin Eason.”

With the track season moving along quickly, Donavin has goals he hopes to achieve in his senior season.

“I am looking forward to making it to state again and to just better myself in every event,” Eason said.

While college plans are still being figured out for Eason, he hopes to continue his career as a dual-sport athlete in football and track while majoring in either business or engineering. No matter the route Eason chooses, it is clear that his discipline and strong mentality will help him succeed anywhere he goes.

Written by senior Eve Cerny . Edited by staff writers for Oswego East’s online news magazine The Howl.