Donato Nerone is a Struthers High School faculty member and supports his students along with the Struthers community. In his own years of being a high school student, he played track and field, which set him up for success in the years to come. 

Nerone participated in track for one year, which was during his senior year of high school. He loved the sport and really enjoyed pushing himself to be better and striving for a win at each meet. However, he really joined the team to help prepare for his plans outside of high school, which included serving for our country in the United States Marine Corps.

Although Nerone was new to the sport, he never looked back, and he knew that quitting was out of the question. 

“It never occurred to me. I knew I was there for my goals and I really knew that I wanted to see my goals achieved,” says Nerone. 

The Struthers staff member allowed himself to reach his full potential and greatness within this sport by putting all of his time and energy into it. He trained intensely and put his best foot forward at each practice and conditioning session. Nerone did a lot with drills, weights, and ran many miles to prepare himself for each meet that took hours and held many teams. 

Nerone conditioning alongside his teammates allowed for a strong bond to form. 

“For us, it really wasn’t a social thing, it was to support your team and to have them know that you were behind them,” says Nerone. 

The McDonald alumni holds many memories from his time of playing track such as completing a big personal accomplishment of doing well in the 100 race. Nerone gives credit for his success to his coach, who continuously pushed him to do his best and prepared for his long term goal of being in the marines. He thinks that today, athletes need to trust their coaches’ words and try new events that bring in their skills. 

Nerone feels that although track and field has changed greatly from when he played, the message of the sport remains the same. 

“It is not always about you, there are a lot of individuals in this district and not a lot of people pushing each other to be better,” says Nerone.