Like many cross-country runners, Mattituck High School senior Jacob Malkush has several motivations.

He races for the team.

He also runs for himself, striving for a personal record every time out.

This fall, Malkush and his Tucker teammates are competing for a former running mate and friend, Gavyn Drago. The captain of the team died after an epileptic seizure on Sept. 4. He was 17.

The Tuckers have dedicated their season to Drago.

“I’m just trying to run as best as I can for Gavin and trying to improve myself,” Malkush said after finishing first during a meet at Indian Island County Park in Riverhead on Tuesday afternoon.

“I think everyone on the team is as well. Cross country isn’t my main sport. I’m more a track runner, winter track and spring track. I have some achievements I’d like to do and dedicate them to Gavin.”

Center Moriches and Riverhead Charter could not field full squads, so Mattituck was awarded 15-50 forfeit wins in the Suffolk County League VIII meet. Coach Chris Robinson did not keep time, although Malkush enjoyed a sizable lead over the runner-up.

Drago’s death shook up the Mattituck community, his family and the Tuckers.

“You think you’re dreaming in that moment when you hear it,” Malkush said.

Malkush and Drago were friends since kindergarten.

“We were very close,” he said. “Our times were very similar. During practice or in races, we would always be next to each other. So, it’s definitely been a bit of an adjustment not having him there this season, but I don’t think he’s really left me, if that makes sense.”

It did.

Drago was there in spirit.

In life, his spirit was strong.

“It’s like extra motivation,” senior Marlowe Collamore said. “Definitely something pushing me along at my back, motivating me to push harder because he was probably always the hardest worker on the team.”

Drago knew how to balance out life as well.

“He was always laughing. He was always having fun,” Collamore said. “He was always bringing people together. Really honored to be with one of his friends.”

Coach Robinson felt Gavyn’s loss at several levels.

“He had been working his butt off to get to the point where he was,” he said. “He looked great. He looked strong throughout the summer. Sadly, we lost him. It’s been a shock to the community and to the team.

“The community is unbelievable. The kids are unbelievable. We’ve surrounded ourselves with Gavyn’s spirit, his work ethic, his effort, his love for running. We’ve been able to put together a season that we can be proud of, not only for ourselves, but to represent Gavyn and what he had put into this program.”

Robinson, who said that Drago was interested in running in college, added that his spirit will remain with the team.

“His work ethic and his love for the sport will stay with us. Something I’m going to preach to the future runners that we have at Mattituck,” he said. “So, his spirit will be with us from now until at least until I’m not here anymore coaching. We’re still working on a lot of things we’re going to do for him.”

Malkush, who has worked at the Jamesport restaurant owned by the Drago family — Main Road Biscuit Co. — and Robinson wore memorial purple wristbands, which the family is handing out.

The outside of the band said: Run with purpose, live with heart

The inside: Gavyn, our hero runs with us

There was a spider web at the inside’s end, for Spider-Man.

“It’s real cool,” Robinson said.

Drago’s mother, Marissa, said that her son was a big Marvel and D.C. Comics fan.

A fundraiser, Gavyn’s Favorite 5K, will be held at Orient Beach State Park on Sunday, Oct. 18. Check-in starts at 7:30 a.m. The race starts at 9 a.m.

“It’s a run-walk, actually,” Marissa Drago said.

Proceeds will go to the Gavin Avery Drago Foundation and will be used for research and for families with teenagers or adolescents who have epilepsy.

“Any support that we can provide to families in our area, whether it be entertainment, toys, LEGO sets during a day-long exam that sometimes epileptics have to take, whether it be financial support for medicine or medical support that they need,” Marissa Drago said.

To register for the run, visit runsignup.com/Race/NY/Orient/GAVYNSFAVORITE5K

For more information about the foundation, visit gavynfoundation.org.

The Tuckers will participate.

“It’s rain or shine, the race is happening, and I plan to be there no matter what,” Malkush said.

The post Mattituck cross country runners dedicate season to Gavyn Drago appeared first on The Suffolk Times.

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