Five questions for CBA's Blaise Ferro

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

We caught up with Christian Brothers Academy NJ senior Blaise Ferro at the start of his team’s annual camp in Pennsylvania and asked him five questions. Ferro, a two-time New Jersey Meet of Champions winner of the indoor 3,200 meters, is one of the top runners in the country and a leader of one of the nation’s top teams. He penciled out at No. 6 in our preseason top 100 boys.

Here are some of his thoughts entering the season:

Question 1 - How strong is CBA this year?

Blaise Ferro: We’re all definitely motivated. We’re going in to win (NXN). Hopefully this week (at camp) will strengthen us even more. I think we’re going to be in contention.

Question 2 – What sort of summer did you have?

Blaise Ferro: It was definitely better than the last few summers. In the past I think (training) always felt like a burden rather than having fun. But now, I’d say training has taken over (my priorities) and I’m giving it all I got. I did a lot of biking and swimming and have gotten a lot better. I think it’s just experience and mentally there are pillars you have to build up.

Question 3 -- Who do you see as your top competition in New Jersey this fall?

Blaise Ferro: I’m not quite sure but there’s always somebody. There is always the random person that pops up. It’s always that person that’s been there all along but never been all the way there. Last year I’d say that was Nikhil Pulimood (of West Windsor-Plainsboro South). Senior year he got fed up and did something!

Question 4 – How does your role change on the CBA team as a senior?

Blaise Ferro: The seniors all bond (and lead) together. Instead of being one person (to think about) it’s six other teammates. Everyone matures as you go. It takes some pressure off yourself when you approach it that way. For me, I don’t really feel like (each grade) is a step up. I just wanted to excel from the beginning. When I was a freshman I was calling seniors out to race them. They hated me for that a little bit, but that (competitiveness) has moved on to other (targets). It’s always lit a fire in me with (in-state rival) Don Bosco. Every time I hear the name, I cringe. It’s instilled inside of me. I just want to kick ass everywhere we go.

Question 5 – What are you most looking forward to this season?

Blaise Ferro: I think racing with my team for one more cross country season, because then when track comes it’s no longer (about) top seven. I’m definitely excited for nationals. Regionals and nationals, those will be my two favorite (meets). Manhattan and MOC will be the best ones before that.