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02/27/2024 11:23 AMSam Gott looks at the world of competitive running and track through the prism of stress and anxiety relief, along with constructing connections. He has utilized that essence of the hobby to harbor some record-setting moments in the pantheon of North Branford athletic history.
The Thunderbirds boys’ indoor track team senior captain and runner always ran with his family, participating in local events like the Branford 5K and New Haven Road Race. After trying his hand at cross country his freshman year, he tacked on outdoor track as a sophomore, and the indoor scene as a junior.
Recently, Sam stood out in the 55 meter prelims at the Shoreline Conference Championship on Feb. 2. He set a new school record and a new personal record, when he finished in a time of 6.61 seconds. In the finals, he placed third with a time of 6.91. He additionally holds the North Branford indoor record for the 300 in 36.04 seconds, which he set last winter as a junior.
Sam has qualified for Nationals in Boston for the 60 meter dash, one of the first athletes in North Branford history to ever qualify. In his entire track career to date, he is a two-time Class S runner-up (for the 55 and 300 meters), Shoreline Champion (300), and three-time Shoreline All-Conference Team Honorable Mention (55, 100, and 400).
“I have always been fast, but I started lifting around sophomore year, and it helped improve my times. The support of my parents and coaches has helped me along the way, too, plus being in the gym, because it has helped relieve stress and get me in a better mood,” says Sam. “The 300 record was a big goal of mine, because [Head Coach Mike Rabuffo] said it was doable for me. I honestly did not know I broke it at first. It was a feeling that made me want to stick with it. When I broke the 55 record this year, I was excited and in complete shock.”
Sam reflects that he came into high school as a wiry and lanky student-athlete, perhaps maybe seen as atypical for a runner by some. Yet via pumping iron in the weight room, it helped boost up his swagger and demeanor as a competitor going up against tough adversaries.
“My freshman year, I was kind of scrawny. I was a little kid with no real intentions of doing much in sports,” Sam says. “But I have been in the gym and have gotten bigger and stronger. That growth in my strength has helped me not get psyched out when going against some of the bigger kids. It has helped calm me down and improve my confidence.”
While Sam admits he typically is not a marathon runner with lengthier heats with track, he notes the rehearsal reps have helped him. He has not only stretched his legs, but also his total body awareness and mind as a sprinter.
“I am not a distance runner, but when it comes to sprinting, the practices have helped me a bunch,” says Sam. “I do not BS my workouts at practice. I also focus on my form and breathing techniques when running. All of those things have really helped grow my endurance and stamina as a runner.”
Time flies when you are having fun, and the same certainly rings true for Sam–almost fazed by the fact that his senior send-off season is already here. When it comes to being that elder statesman for the Thunderbirds, Sam is well aware of the impact he can have when it comes to sculpting the future of the program.
“My senior year just came up so quickly, and so did the idea of me being a role model for the younger guys,” Sam says. “Knowing they look up to me and becoming their friends, it helps build better connections within the team. Having those small talks with guys one-on-one helps everyone a lot.”
When it comes to motivating Sam, Rabuffo details he is a self-starter. He is additionally someone Rabuffo can put virtually on autopilot when it comes to helping others take flight.
“Sam is a special athlete. From the first day I started coaching him, he has always been a hard worker. He never complains about running workouts. He is a leader on the track with his times, but also is a mentor to the younger athletes. He never hesitates to explain a workout or describe how to run a race to a scared underclassman,” says Rabuffo. “He weight trains on his own, and he has for years now. He makes sure he takes care of his body with extra mobility training, all without me ever having to tell him what to do. He has a drive to win and be the best version of himself, and I find it remarkable.”
Track is one high school sport that embodies an essential element of life and the working world in Sam’s eyes, with unlocking each individual’s top talent. He additionally exclaims how interpersonal attributes can really bolster one’s view of sport and life, via invoking impromptu friendships.
“At my older sister’s meets when she was at North Branford, she had several coaches, and I learned everyone is important in life. Each person has one thing they are really good at,” says Sam. “Track has helped teach me time management skills and how important they are. I know each day I have to make sure I eat, sleep, do school work, and practice and make time for each. I have also learned about the importance of building relationships with new people. I have met so many kids and coaches from other schools that I would not have otherwise met if not for track.”