Honesdale's Aidan LaTourette to continue academic and athletic career at Lehigh
HONESDALE — When Aidan LaTourette finally closes out his varsity athletic career, he’ll do so as one of the most decorated distance runners in Honesdale history.
A senior who’s spent the last three-plus years re-writing the track and cross country record books, LaTourette has now officially announced what comes next.
Mountain Hawk
Aidan will graduate in the spring and then begin preparations in earnest for collegiate tenure at Lehigh University.
“What really caught my eye was their academic drive,” Aidan said. “I wanted to go to a school that pushes success in the classroom as well as on the track. The community at Lehigh made it aware early on that they were the perfect place for this.”
LaTourette has been a standout for the Hornets ever since his freshman year, and both of his varsity mentors are convinced that Aidan is ready for the next level.
“He’s definitely going to excel,” said cross country coach Lindsey Pender. “Aidan has learned to listen to his body. He works extremely hard and doesn’t take shortcuts.”
Paul Russick concurs.
“I think Aidan’s work ethic, and his competitive nature, will only aid in his development as a collegiate athlete,” said the veteran track skipper. “Aidan checks all the boxes when it comes to academics and athletics.”
Record Setter
LaTourette has been etching his name in the Hornet record books almost since the moment he arrived on the scene.
When asked which of his many achievements he is most proud of, Aidan is quick to name an unforgettable performance on the track. Last spring, LaTourette rocketed his way to a brand new school record in the 1600M.
“I was super-excited!" Aidan said at the time. "I've had my eyes set on that record for years and I'm honored to have finally been able to get it. I love running the 1600. It's definitely my favorite event.”
LaTourette then advanced to the District 2 meet where he earned a silver medal. From there, Aidan headed off to the PIAA State Championship. And although he didn’t find his way to the podium, he laid the foundation for future triumphs.
“Aidan works tremendously hard,” Coach Russick said. “He’s a fierce competitor and an excellent student.”
And while LaTourette is undeniably an outstanding track athlete, he’s every bit as impressive as a cross country runner.
Aidan’s most recent triumph came at the District 2 Cross Country finals.
This year’s edition of the event was help at the Wyoming County Fairgrounds near Meshoppen. The senior powered his way to a fifth place finish in the overall standings, leading the Hornets to their first Class AA team title since 2004.
It was a fitting conclusion to a remarkable season, one which also saw the Red & Black capture the Lackawanna League crown with a 22-1 record.
LaTourette was once again named to the First Team All-Stars and led his Hornet squad to an appearance at states. Aidan battled his way to a 31st place showing in pacing Honesdale to 12th in the team rankings.
“I’m definitely most proud of leading our team to a district title this past year,” Aidan said. “I’m just proud to have been able to lead our team the past couple seasons.”
It was appropriate that LaTourette ended his high school cross country career on the historic Parkland course at Hershey. From there, his next race will be as a member of the venerable Lehigh Mountain Hawks.
“This is when dreams transfer to goals and goals become reality,” Coach Pender said. “It is what Aidan has worked for and it’s so well deserved.”
Onward & Upward
Aidan is the son of Linda Pezzuti. They live in Beach Lake along with his grandparents, Victor and Beverly LaTourette.
Aidan began getting serious about running as a seventh grader. He enjoyed a stellar junior high career before moving up to the varsity ranks as a freshman.
LaTourette is a well-rounded young man who’s also deeply involved in extracurricular activities and after-school projects.
Over the course of the past four years, Aidan has served on Student Council and been a member of the National Honor Society. He was also appointed a committee chair for the HHS Blood Drive, and worked hard toward attaining Eagle Scout status.
Not surprisingly, Lehigh officials were impressed with LaTourette’s accomplishments athletically, in the classroom and in the community.
“The thing that really sealed the deal for me was my official visit there in the fall,” Aidan said. “I got to know the coach and the team, and got a deeper look into the Lehigh experience, which instantly made me fall in love.
“The team was so friendly and welcoming, and just made me want to be there. Lehigh has an environment unlike anywhere else that I visited, and I knew by the time I left what my decision would be.”
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Honesdale Cross Country Track Aidan LaTuorette Lehigh University
