Wass Hitting the Books and Track
by ACAC Sports Writer Curtis J. Phillips
Attending Lacombe Composite High School, Adam Wass was a multi-sport athlete, competing in badminton, cross country, soccer and track & field while also dabbling "a bit in tennis in Grade 11."
Grade 11 was a good year for the current Red Deer College Kings indoor track student/athlete, as it was during this time frame that he placed 13th in Alberta Schools Athletic Association (ASAA) boys cross country running championships, while a 5th and 6th place would follow in the 1,500 metre and 3,000 m events at the ASAA Track & Field Provincials.
Also on the sports resume that year was a Central Alberta zone soccer championship.
"I really wasn't focusing that much on school at that point," admits Wass. "I was not worried about college yet, so I could devote my time to sports. Plus, I did not have any major injuries that year."
It was in Grade 12 that Wass, "started concentrating on the books more," while also "having a few more injuries and a chest infection," that slowed up his athletic progression.
Following high school graduation, he took some time off and "volunteered at a youth centre in Lacombe, while I took assessment what I needed to do, as I wasn't too sure about my next step in studies, college or university wise."
Enrolling in Bachelor of Science – General for the second semester, Wass became part of the Red Deer College student body January 4, 2017.
"I was pretty sure that my sports career was over and that I wanted to focus entirely on school while doing my own thing," admits Wass.
A text message from former high school friend Samantha Debree, a current Red Deer Queens student/athlete, convinced Wass to try out for the indoor track team and as they say…the rest is history.
"I really did not know what I could do when I attended the first practice," said Wass. "If I made the team, I made it. If I didn't make the team, I didn't make it.
"I hadn't run for six months but it felt good to be back. The team is spectacular, so I enjoy being around such great teammates. It is pretty rewarding to be back running."
Forking out $80 for a new pair of Nike runners, Wass said, "It's been a good investment. I have been in the middle of the pack in the 1,500 and 3,000," in ACAC meets to date.
He is also a member of the contending 4 x 400 m Kings relay team.
Of the transition from outdoor to indoor track, he concludes: "It feels a lot different as the turns are tighter and it is a faster-pace than you are used to and on a smaller track."
The 2016-2017 ACAC Running Room Indoor Track Championships will be held March 3-4, 2017 at the University of Lethbridge - 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sports and Wellness and hosted by the Lethbridge College Kodiaks.