If you gave him the choice, Mitch Cuckovich would have probably run all the way to Eugene, Oregon.
After all, Mitch’s love of running is the reason he went there this week.
The 10-year-old Oxford boy qualified to compete in 400-meter and 800-meter running events at the 2004 USA Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships (July 27-Aug. 1).
‘We were thrilled,? said Mitch’s mother, Lisa Cuckovich. ‘We couldn’t believe that he qualified. IT’s a big accomplishment.?
Mitch began his running career four years ago when he joined the Wildcat Track Club, a summer program sponsored by Oxford Township Parks and Recreation.
When asked why he started running with the club, Mitch replied, ‘My mom thought I was good at it.?
‘We used to call him Forrest Gump when he was little because he would run around the backyard or around the kitchen, living room and dining room in the winter. He just loves to run,? said Mitch’s mother, Lisa Cuckovich. ‘He would go outside in the winter, whenever he felt cooped up, and run circles in our backyard. He just always enjoyed running.?
Mitch said he dreams of one day running in the actual Olympics. To keep in shape, Mitch runs four to six miles every other day. He also practices with the Oxford High School cross country team, even though the soon-to-be fifth-grader attends the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Bloomfield Hills.
Helping Mitch become the best runner he can be is German Guerrero, assistant coach of the Wildcat Track Club and a member of the Oxford High School track and cross country teams.
‘German’s kind of taken (Mitch) under his wing,? Lisa said.
Mitch said German’s given him valuable tips like ‘when to sprint? during a run and how to control his breathing.
‘Practicing with German has helped improve his (running) time a lot,? Lisa said.
For instance, in the Junior Olympic association meet held June 26 at Farmington High School, Mitch placed third in the 400-meter event and second in the 800-meter event. In the regional competition held July 11 at Farmington High School, he placed third in both events. The latter meet was the one in which Mitch qualified for the nationals in Oregon.
‘He’s already beat both of the times of the kids who got first (place),? Lisa said. ‘He’s improving his time.?
In addition to improving his time, Mitch has also been collecting donations for his trip to Orgeon, which cost about $1,600. As of Monday, Lisa said they had collected about $800 in donations which came from concession sales and runners? pledges at the 13th Annual Youth Track Meet (held July 24 at Oxford Elementary), donations collected by Mitch and support from local businesses.
‘His dentist gave him $75,? Lisa said.
To find out how Mitch did in the national Junior Olympics, check out next week’s Oxford Leader.