Mission possible for Central Cambria cross country’s Ethan Haycisak
Altoona Mirror Athlete of the Week
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Name: Ethan Haycisak
School: Central Cambria
Age: 17
Grade: Senior
Sport: Cross country
Athlete of the week achievement: Haycisak set a course record at Portage's Maple Crest Golf Course with a time of 17:28.7 to win the individual Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference championship and lead the Red Devils to the team championship.
Season update: Haycisak holds CC's boys school record for cross country.
Coach Randy Wilson's quote: "Ethan is an incredibly driven and focused runner. He made a decision last spring that he would leave no stone unturned in his pursuit of being the absolute best runner he can be. He always puts in the extra work and his attitude is infectious which is why his entire team is setting PRs this season. (At the LHAC meet) Ethan went in with a plan and executed it to perfection. He was on a mission, like he has been all season -- mission accomplished."
Favorite teacher: Mr. O'Brien
Favorite subject: History
Favorite movie: "Top Gun"
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite song: "Club Paradise" by Drake
Outside interests: Swimming
Favorite professional team: Steelers
Favorite college team: PSU football
Pro athlete most admired: LeBron James
Best athlete I ever competed against: Central Cambria graduate Dom Kuntz
Most influential person on my athletic career: My dad
Proudest athletic achievement: Winning the 2025 LHAC cross country championship and setting a new school record.
How I got my start in cross country: "Dom Kuntz told me all freshman year to come out and try running, and I eventually gave in, joining track in the spring. After a fun track season, Dom convinced me to come out and try cross country my sophomore year."
Future goal: "I plan to attend a four-year university majoring in the business field. I also plan on continuing my running career through college."