This article was originally published in Kaleidoscope‘s Spring 2025 print edition. It is being published as a separate online article now for easy access.
Ward Melville’s senior track star, Jon Seyfert, the 1600 meter indoor state champion, reflected on his high school career. He shared the highs, the challenges and the lessons he’s learned along the way. As he prepares to take his talents to the University of Virginia, he opens up about what motivates him, the importance of staying grounded and the goals he’s chasing next.
Kaleidoscope: Looking back at your time at Ward Melville, what are some moments on the track that you’re most proud of and why?
Jon Seyfert: Definitely running relays, especially the 4×800. Each time we ran it, it felt like something really special. It’s one of those races where you’re not just running for yourself — you’re doing it for your teammates. There’s a sense of pride every time you line up, and that connection with the others on the relay makes it really meaningful.
What has being a student-athlete at Ward Melville taught you, both on and off the track?
The biggest thing it’s taught me is discipline. Motivation might get you started, but discipline is what keeps you going. You have to develop a routine and stick with it — even when you fail, you’ve got to keep trying. That mindset applies to so many parts of life beyond track.
Was there a specific race or season that felt like a turning point in your high school career?
Yes, my sophomore year in the spring really pushed me forward. That season helped put me near the top of the county at a pretty young age, and it felt like people really started to recognize me — even officials at meets. That was the moment I realized, “Okay, maybe I am actually pretty good at this.”
How has your training or mindset evolved since you first joined the team as a freshman?
It’s changed a lot. I’ve become way more competitive, which has been great, but also challenging. I try not to let that competitiveness take away from the fun of it. I started running just to have fun, and I want to keep that spirit alive — to still enjoy it and not get too caught up in the pressure.
Who or what has been your biggest motivation throughout your high school track journey?
I’d say two people. First, my coaches — when I was at States, my first thought was how badly I wanted to win a state championship for them because they hadn’t won one yet. I wanted to be the one to give them that. Second, there was a senior named Julian when I was a freshman. He was setting records and he really inspired me. I wanted to be that person for the younger athletes, just like he was for me.
What made you choose the University of Virginia, and what are you most looking forward to as a Cavalier?
UVA has amazing academics, which was a huge factor. The team is top-tier — I’m honestly going in as the least experienced one, and that’s exciting for me. It’s like starting from scratch and building myself up again. I’m especially looking forward to training with new teammates from all over the country; from places like Alabama to California — to me, that’s really cool.
What are some goals you’ve set for yourself before your time at UVA — both athletically and personally?
My main goal is just to be the best version of myself. That includes a lot of smaller goals, but overall, I just want to be able to look back and say I gave everything I had. Whether it’s my athletic career or anything else, I want to know I didn’t hold back.
What advice would you give to young Ward Melville athletes who look up to you and dream of following a similar path?
Keep it fun. It’s really easy to get caught up in the competitiveness and the pressure to be the best. If you lose the joy and forget why you started in the first place, it’s not worth it. Always remember to enjoy the process.
