Noah Glenn has become well-aware of the layers of becoming a great athlete.
As one of the most gifted runners, jumpers and throwers in the state, the aspiring decathlete from Bishop Eustace Preparatory School learned there is more to winning than pure physicality.
“It’s very tolling mentally,” said Glenn, a senior. “I’m starting to learn this is more of a mental game than a physical game. It’s about being present in the moment. I give props to my mom for that. She’s very wise. My dad likes to call her a … Proverbs 31 Woman. She’s always working hard and encouraging me and keeping me on my toes.”
At any given high school track and field meet, Glenn is usually competing in four different events, scattered across four different areas of the arena. Some races, like the 110-meter high hurdles, have preliminaries and finals and go off at specific times among an order of events on the track. Other events like the high jump, long jump or discus have other time slots in designated areas that need to be met. There are also lengthy routines to prepare for each event.
Glenn is an honors student (3.9 GPA), but admits he needs help keeping track of his agenda.
“My coaches have my back the entire time,” he said. “I thank God for giving me a village that helps me throughout everything. My coaches and the officials work with me. Without them, I don’t know how I would be doing it.”
Glenn has not only excelled locally, winning the Non-Public B indoor state championship in the high jump this year, but he also placed in the top eight nationally in the pentathlon at the Nike Indoor Nationals at the Armory Track & Field Center. He’s currently the top-ranked high school athlete in the state in the pentathlon, which consists of the high hurdles, long jump, shot put, high jump, and the 1,000-meter run.
“[He has a] willingness to do any event and really study it and look at videos and not be afraid to be a little bit uncomfortable,” Bishop Eustace track coach Chris Threston said. “A lot of kids want their … comfort zone. Not him. He’s not afraid to challenge himself and put himself in positions where he has to try something new.”
It’s not always easy. Glenn’s events require peak performance on a consistent basis. Like any sport, there’s always ups and downs. At the Camden County Championships on May 9, Glenn came up short of his usual 6-foot leaps in the high jump. He took a time out and prayed.
“I went right over to one of those benches and sat by myself and prayed to God,” Glenn said. “I said ‘I need you right now. I know whatever happens is your will.’ I was just trying to leave it in His hands and move onto the next. I’m just trying to trust Him through everything and give everything to Him and try my best.”
Glenn knows he is at his best when the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of his performance are all working in perfect harmony. He also knows when to ask for help if something seems off.
“A kid like that, he’s easy to help,” Threston said. “You have no trouble jumping in and helping because … that’s the effect he has on us coaches. He’s also very spiritual, and that translates into the discipline and the work ethic that he puts into himself.”
Glenn also has a strong support system at home. Although his school and athletic schedules are jam-packed, he still finds time to work alongside his mother. It has fueled a passion for environmentalism.
“My mom does a lot of environmental work, and she kind of brought me into that,” Glenn said. “I teach people to kayak every Saturday on the waterfront. I also teach them all about environmental life and wildlife and teach them that the environment is important to take care of because it takes care of us.”
Glenn is nearing a decision of where he will compete in college while studying biology. His coaches are certain he will reach new heights wherever he goes.
“He has two really great parents who raised him well before he even got here,” Threston said. “We are really happy that he always wants to do his best, no matter what. His level of dedication is through the charts.”
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