LYNN — It was decision time for one of the best runners in the state and St. Mary’s own Kyle Kwiatek, signed his National Letter of Intent to run at Stonehill College.

When asked why Stonehill, Kwiatek spoke about the similarities between Stonehill and St. Mary’s.

“When going through the college process, I was really torn on what I wanted in terms of an education and in athletics,” Kwiatek said. “When visiting Stonehill, I was immediately welcomed into a tight-knit community that reminded me fondly of the line-long bonds I’ve had the pleasure of making at St. Mary’s. I knew I would be able to call Stonehill home.”

Kwiatek has been attending St. Mary’s for seven years, making memories that will stay with him forever.

“St. Mary’s has been nothing short of a blessing within my life,” Kwiatek said. “Coach [Tristan] Smith and all the other faculty and coaches I’ve had the pleasure of meeting throughout the years have truly set me up for life through their guidance and encouragement. I will forever cherish the memories I’ve made with this school and the friendships I’ve made along the way.”

Kwiatek credited the track and field team for helping him develop on and off the field.

“The St. Mary’s track and field team specifically provided me with a niche that let me blossom into the student-athlete I am today,” Kwiatek said.

Head coach Tristan Smith had nothing but positive words for his star runner.

“Kyle and I got to St. Mary’s the same year. I have been his coach since he was in sixth grade. We’ve been there for each other through ups and downs, victories and defeats,” Smith said. “Obviously this is a special moment for him and for me. His hard work and dedication make him the epitome of the student-athlete and a role model for his teammates.”

Although Kwiatek is looking forward to the new challenge, he admitted to having some nerves about leaving St. Mary’s.

“Although I’m ecstatic to continue this new chapter in my life, I’m nervous to leave this St. Mary’s family I’ve called home for the past seven years,” Kwiatek said. “It’s going to be hard leaving such a wonderful and inspiring group of people that I’ve grown so close with.”

Despite the individual records, achievements, and accomplishments, Kwiatek said his “proudest moment” in his career was when St. Mary’s clinched its first-ever Catholic Central League (CCL) Championship.
“This moment was truly the amalgamation of all our hard work and discipline as a team and celebrating together was one of the fondest moments in my high school career,” Kwiatek said. “Our team is made of such a talented and adverse group and being able to share our passion for sport among tons of different athletes was truly a wonderful moment.”