With his record-breaking speed and consistent work ethic, Co-Captain Tam Gavenas ’25 leads Andover Boys Cross Country (PAXC) with confidence. In the first home meet of the season, Gavenas beat the Andover all-time course record, again, with a time of 15:00. He was named the 2023 Gatorade Player of the Year for Cross Country, took fourth place at the Foot Locker National Championships last year, and is sponsored by COROS after his performance at the National Championships.
In an email to The Phillipian, Gavenas noted his aspiration to create a safe and encouraging environment for PAXC through upholding school values.
“Simple as it may be, our team wants to create a space where everyone is respected. As a captain, it’s really important for every student-athlete to feel like they can come to practice and be able to openly communicate what they are going through, good or bad. PAXC is such a welcoming space because our values embody the school’s values,” wrote Gavenas.
According to Henry Zimmerman ’27, Gavenas upholds the motto “Stick To Our Values Everywhere,” also known as STOVE. Reminding his teammates each practice, Gavenas hopes to build on and better the PAXC team culture.
“[He reminds us] to compete with dignity and whole hearts. You know how when engineers are designing a structure, they always round up to make sure that… the structure does not collapse under any circumstances. Take that level of support and round that up. And that is how supportive Tam is as a teammate. He has dreams. He has aspirations. But his ultimate goal is to help Boys Cross Country be great,” said Zimmerman.
Recalling his first practice, Zimmerman recalled seeing Gavenas exuding optimism and excitement, which reflected the team culture PAXC has built.
“I fondly remember seeing this kid running twice the speed of everyone else around that track and smiling, saying ‘hi’ to everyone. He was really a joy to be around. I have no clue who this guy was. He just seemed like he was a bundle of energy and a lot of fun to be around… I didn’t get a chance to talk to him that day. But, he did make a big impression on me once I got to know him later in the season,” said Zimmerman.
Gavenas shared his innate love for running, particularly cross country. Gavenas credited previous Cross Country Captain Matthew Ottenbreit ’21, who mentored and guided him as a lowerclassmen, something he hopes to push forth.
“I really love being a captain. Cross country is by far my favorite season, and I feel so fortunate that I am able to meet and guide so many driven and motivated lowerclassmen students… My captain my Freshman year — shout out to Matthew Ottenbreit — gave me an amazing introduction to the program. I hope that I can lead [by] example just as he did, and welcome as many students into this community,” wrote Gavenas.
Arun Kapoor ’25 highlighted Gavenas’ involvement in the Andover community.
“He was a [Community and Multicultural Development] Scholar, and he has also recommended me to join the Bio[logy] Club and Chess Club. He is also a vocal proponent of the Movie Makers Club. On a more random note, he really got me into FIFA Mobile, and along with that, he also does an excellent job of making sure that we all come to practice every day,” said Kapoor.
Last December, after competing at the Foot Locker National Championship, Gavenas was offered an NIL deal by COROS, a performance sports technology company that helps athletes perform their best.
Gavenas wrote, “After Footlocker Nationals, COROS reached out to me — I had no idea. I had never worn a watch before, but I wanted to improve my training and try something new. Immediately, I was hooked. I want everyone on the team to get one. Along with the watch, I have been able to meet a lot of runners my age and the COROS Next Gen program also introduces us to professional athletes.”
