No one works harder when no one is watching than Michael Clarke, says Lake Region Indoor Track & Field Coach Mark Snow.

“It’s a great attribute,” Coach Snow said. “Michael has continued his dedication and leadership since his cross-country season. He is enthusiastic and very supportive of his teammates and others in our league.”

Michael has met the provisional state mark in two of his events (mile, 5:05 will need a 4:55 for an automatic state bid and two mile, 11:17.39 will need a 10:40 for the automatic bid); “rewarding him for his hard work,” Coach Snow added.

In recognition of his strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Michael is this week’s Boosters and Hancock Lumber “Player of the Week.” Each week, a Lake Region athlete is recognized for his/her dedication (does more than what is asked), work ethic, coachability and academic good standing. Recipients receive a specially-designed t-shirt, sponsored by Hancock Lumber.

Player of the Week Profile

Athlete: Michael Clarke

Hometown: Naples

Year in School: Senior

Parents: Michael and JudyAnn Clarke

Sports you Play: Cross Country, Indoor/Outdoor Track and Baseball

Hobbies: Running

Future Plans: Run in the Olympics

What do you find most challenging about the sport? Staying mentally strong during the race.

What goal did you set for yourself this season, and what will it take to reach that goal? To run at States and to reach that goal I need to run smarter and more aggressively.

What is your favorite sports memory and/or achievement (explain why)? The moment after XC States, sharing emotions with my good friends Carter and Liam was a moment I’ll never forget. Also, my teammates — Bhavnish, Sam and Aiden — as we celebrated after the States win and had a very long 4.5-mile cool down moments after racing. I am forever grateful for all of them for pushing me and motivating me to be the best I possibly can be. Also, one of my favorite memories was running at Nike Cross Regionals in New York being named the fastest Mainer there. The course was one of the toughest I’ve ever run but knowing my childhood friends, Wesley and Stephen, also my XC coaches, Ms. Pulito and Coach McCullough, came all the way from Maine to watch me, I knew I couldn’t give up. From getting spiked to falling in the mud to passing 19 people in the final .30 of the race, it was just the best experience and to be around all of the talented runners from all across New England just made it even better. Knowing my boy Nathan Blades was at home watching me run live, I just knew I had to have a strong finish.

How has sports made you a better person? Taught me to take one day at a time.

Name a teammate or coach you admire and explain why? I admire Coach Snow because he always has a practice plan set up for every single event and it is always very efficient. I am very grateful to have him as my track coach and without him I doubt I would be as successful as I am right now. My teammate Sam Laverdiere is always there for me and my goals, whether its setting a PR or qualifying for State, Sam is a great teammate to push you to complete your goals.