Harvard Seeks to Fill Olympian's Shoes as Talented High School Cross-Country Runner Joins Team

In a significant commitment, number one cross-country runner Tam Gavenas has announced his decision to join Harvard's Track and Field and Cross Country teams starting in the Fall of 2025. The talented senior, hailing from Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass., has already made a name for himself with impressive performances at high school national championships.

Gavenas, standing at five-foot-seven, claimed first place at Foot Locker Nationals in the 5k with a time of 15:23.90 and third the year prior. He also bounced back from a persistent heel injury by securing victory at the New England Preparatory School Track Association Division I Cross Country Championships with a personal best time of 15:01.

Gavenas's impressive performances have earned him numerous awards, including being named the 2024 COROS Cross Country Athlete of the Year and the Gatorade Massachusetts Boys Cross Country Player of the Year. Unfortunately, Olympian Graham Blanks, who recently became the first runner in the Ivy League to run a 5k in under 13 minutes, has departed the team.

With Harvard's men's cross country team facing an uphill task, having placed 27th at the National Collegiate Athletic Association Championship, Gavenas's arrival presents an opportunity for the team to regain their footing. As he joins the Crimson ranks, the talented young athlete is set to fill Blanks' shoes and continue a strong run for Harvard's track and cross country teams.