Gabriel Berkovich selected Athlete of the Year for Men's Track and Field

Gabriel Berkovich selected Athlete of the Year for Men's Track and Field
Posted: May 12, 2016

May 12, 2016

By Chase Maser

 From once being impeded by a disappointing injury, Gabriel Berkovich, 23, has been awarded the Athlete of the Year for the 2016 season, and his transition has been an impressive one. "It's certainly an honor and a privilege," says Berkovich. "I'm just lucky to be here; I'm lucky to be on the track team, let alone winning the award. I feel very good about it."
 

Being a non-traditional student, Berkovich's journey back to college has been a real adventure, and his initial call to becoming a student again came from his deep love for athletics. "I took a 5-year hiatus after high school, and I used to be a prominent athlete back then," explains Berkovich. "But work was more practical and realistic at the time, although sports were always calling my name. Regardless of any failure, I just had to give it a shot."

During his hiatus, Berkovich suffered a severe leg and shoulder injury, which landed him in a wheelchair for an entire year. Doctor's were doubtful that he would be able to run normally after the incident, but Berkovich has made a stunning recovery, and his will to succeed is what distinguished him as the award's recipient. "Physically, I stand out on the team right now. I'm the fastest in the 100m, 200m, and the 400m. I go 110% everyday at practice, and I try to motivate my team whenever I can," says Berkovich.
 

Along with his tenacity, Berkovich keeps himself busy with a full-time job and a full load of classes, but none of that seems to phase his focus. "it's definitely challenging juggling all three things," says Berkovich. I'm lucky that I have a great job where I'm able to get some homework done, and my bosses are very lenient. I'm maintaining a 3.5 right now, so things are going well."

 

Things are going very well for Berkovich, and he can't express enough of how pleased he is that SMC has given him the foundation to compete again, as well as giving him a strong education. "I chose SMC because of their phenomenal programs, both athletically and academically. It has the number one transfer rate in California, and I specifically want to go to UCLA," says Berkovich. "In regards to athletic programs, the coaches here are world-class. Larry Silva (Track & Field Head Coach), is very knowledgeable. He trained under Tom Tellez, who was the mentor of Carl Lewis. Silva was able to work with Lewis as well, so he's the best there is. We're lucky to have him, and he's helped me a lot."

 

 After everything that's happened, Berkovich is happy with his direction in life, and he is thrilled to be honored with such a great accolade by a supportive team. "I'd like to thank the coaches for affecting my life in such a positive way," says Berkovich. Larry Silva helped me the most by holding me accountable of my actions and making sure that I show up on time. I'd like to thank my teammates too. My nickname on the team is 'Old man', and that always makes me laugh."