Moore looks to reach potential

 When UAlbany men's indoor track runner John Moore began the final lap of the 1,000-meter run at the Jan. 16th Penn State Northeast Challenge, he never felt any better. 
   Running at a personal best pace, Moore could see UAlbany's 1,000-meter record in sight.
   Crossing the finish line at a time of 2:22, Moore shattered the school's record by over two seconds.
   "When I had one lap to go I knew I was going to break the record," Moore said. "I never felt as good as I did going into the final stretch of that race."
   Beyond breaking the record in the 1,000, Moore accounted for two IC4A qualifying times, two meet records and two America East bests at Penn State.
   Though the season is just getting started, Moore said it's been a successful start to the year.
   "It's been a great year so far," Moore said. "Good things happen when you believe in yourself."
   This year has not been the only year of success for Moore.
   Last indoor season the redshirt senior was a key member of UAlbany's and America East's first-ever IC4A championship squad. As well as scoring 16 points for the team, Moore was part of the 4x800 meter relay team that clinched the IC4A title; he recorded the fastest split time of the four members of the relay.
   "John is a leader and a role-model in the group," said assistant and mid-distance coach Matt Jones. "To excel in this sport you have to make a lifestyle commitment and John has."
   Though the last two seasons have brought about records and championships for Moore, it has not always been glamorous for him.
   During the 2007-2008 season, Moore had a bone spur in his ankle that required surgery, sidelining him for much of the season. It was during this time that "life happened", according to Moore. Down on himself after the injury, Moore's grades plummeted. By the end of his sophomore year he lost his scholarship, disappointing both his family and coaches.
   "I always considered myself a leader and it was not a good way to set an example," Moore said. "I let everyone down."
   It was after that year, that Moore said he did a complete 180, wanting to take away all the disappointment.
   "I devoted myself that summer to turning it back around again," Moore said. "I took some summer classes, got my scholarship back and was healthy again. I was very lucky to have people that believed in me."
   Moore was redshirted for the 2007-2008 season giving him a fifth season of eligibility, which he said he would be taking next year.
   Moore said one of his biggest remaining goals is to qualify for the NCAA tournament in the mile. To automatically qualify for the mile event athletes must run a sub-four minute mile, something that is very rarely done.
   Athletes can also make it to the NCAA's without a sub-four mile, depending on what the top times in the country are.
   "I'm really focusing on the mile," Moore said. "I'm looking to get as close to four minutes as possible. I always set my expectations very high."
   Beyond qualifying, Moore said he also would like to see the team win the IC4A championship both indoors and outdoors. Ultimately he said just wants to stay healthy, after being riddled with injuries through his collegiate career.
   As successful as Moore has been, Jones still believes he has not reach his full potential and agreed with Moore, saying his goal should be to stay healthy.
   "The sky's the limit for John," Jones said. "He has the ability to take it to the elite college level. It's a matter of staying healthily by developing his work ethic and running strategy, he has to put it all together."
   Through the good and the bad Moore said in the end he's proud to be a part of UAlbany's track team.
   "This is one of the best decisions I've ever made," Moore said. "It's been amazing. Through the ups and the downs our team is a family, and we're committed to being there for each other."