Q&A with Laverne’s Gentry Long – Presented by The Stock Exchange Bank

VYPE: How long have you competed in football and cross country?

Gentry: I have been playing football since the third grade and I just got into cross country last year (sophomore year).

VYPE: What first got you interested in the sports?

Gentry: My dad is what interested me the most [in football], as well as growing up watching high school/college ball. My best friend, Royce Henricks, inspired me to run [cross country] after my freshman year of track.

VYPE: Do you have a favorite memory in your time competing for your high school?

Gentry: Sophomore year in both sports, going to the state championship in football, and placing 11th at state in XC. Also hitting a new PR on my first race of my junior year as well.

VYPE: Do you have a favorite opponent to compete against? If so, why?

Gentry: My favorite opponent to run against is Miles Occhiuzzo, from Chisholm. A determined and inspiring athlete.

VYPE: What do your teammates mean to you? 

Gentry: They mean everything, pushing me to be the best I can, as well as checking in on me and supporting me within both sports.

VYPE: Do you have any pre-game or post-game rituals?

Gentry: Yes, my pre-game ritual for both sports contains multiple things – praying, fueling, and a routine warm-up.

VYPE: Who do you look to as a role model?

Gentry: My main role models would include my XC coach, Jenny Laverty, assistant football coach, Tanner Woods, and a new impact on my life, my private coach, Luis Chavez. They constantly support me in both sports, check in on me and push me to be best disciplined athlete I can be.

VYPE: Do you have any goals in mind finishing out the season?

Gentry: For XC, finish as a state champion (individual & team) and break 16:48 in the 5k. For football, finish with a gold ball.

VYPE: What are your plans after high school?

Gentry: Earn a scholarship within running, and if that doesn’t work out, enter a trade school and go into HVAC.