Wirt County’s AJ Petrovsky competes in the 2021 Class A Cross Country Regionals. (Photo by Jay W. Bennett)
ELIZABETH — Head Coach Kaylyn Christopher’s Fairmont State University cross country program received a commitment on Friday from Wirt County’s AJ Petrovsky.
The Thinclad Tiger, which has placed in the top 15 in Class A state competition each of the past two seasons, also plans to compete untethered for the Fighting Falcons on the track.
“Basically, affordability, and also I’ve been to three camps already and really like the layout,” Petrovsky explained some of the reasons he chose FSU. “My sister went there and she told me a lot about it.
“When I went there, it’s kind of like a gut feeling for me. I feel like I can do well there. It was just kind of a feeling. I just really like the layout of the place. It flows well for me.
Petrovsky, who takes college classes at WVU-P, carries a GPA close to 4.0 and said he was “Rather determined to get into IT” and is considering a minor in cybersecurity or math.
“I haven’t really thought about future jobs, but I think I’ll have a good idea if everything goes well with IT, because they have a NASA facility, an FBI facility, and a few other companies not too far from campus where students usually get an internship,” he said.
“I was leaned towards NASA. Hopefully if I can somehow get an internship there, and if I can land something like that, it will give me a pretty good idea of what I want to do.
Although Petrovsky was unable to finish in the top 10 in Class A state competition and earn all-state honors, he is looking forward to competing at the Mountain East Conference Division II level.
“For me, it’s a lot of motivation” he said. “I feel like it not only motivates me but also my academics because it puts me in a, I don’t know, like I guess, a motivated state where I want to do good.
“A competitive mindset where I want to excel no matter what I’m doing right now and that kind of stuff helps keep me locked in.”
Aside from classmate Kolton Parsons, who also signed with FSU on Friday for wrestling and football, Petrovsky said he doesn’t really know anyone in college.
“I feel like I’m not at my peak yet” said Petrovsky, who competes for the Tigers in 400, 800, 4×4 and possibly 4×8. “I feel like in college it might help me get to that point.
“I feel like I’m a bit more worried about academics. I’m pretty happy with my record from here and I feel like college is going to give me the opportunity to excel in this domain and reach my potential, hopefully.
As for the financial aspect of things, Petrovsky added that a good part of his schooling will be paid for and that “it won’t be crazy” in terms of what he has to pay.
Regarding the approaching graduation and Wirt County familiarity outing, the Tiger replied “if I’m being honest, I’m actually kind of excited to get up there for a change of scenery.”
“It’s a bit repetitive sometimes. I know when I’m up there I’m going to miss some things, I’m sure. I will be excited and enjoy it when I get there.
Contact Jay Bennett at jbennett@newsandsentinel.com
