An interview with Mark Valentino

Relentlessly upbeat. Exceedingly positive. Always smiling. These are a few of the two-word phrases that come to mind when thinking back on Mark “Tino” Valentino’s five years as an undergraduate and graduate student on our team. So many great memories and feel-good moments from one of the true Good Guys of our program, who took the time to be part of the Pandemic Papers series here today. Hard to believe that he chose Marist at the last minute. I actually remember being a little short-tempered with him on the phone in late April of 2011, as he continued to waffle about whether he was going to attend Marist or go someplace else. By that point in the recruiting process, I’ve had enough and just want a yes or a no! Little did I know that we would become (and remain) quite close as a coach-athlete relationship.

His was a storybook ending that you couldn’t really make up. In his final race in red and white, at the 2016 IC4A Championships, he broke the school record in his beloved race – the 3,000-meter steeplechase. As if that weren’t special enough, it got his name on our recently donated school-record board, which was dedicated to the memory of his grandparents. Mark’s parents, Tom and Louise, were phenomenal supporters of our program and continue to follow us. Special people, and it was great to connect with them when Tino got married last summer on Long Island. I could ramble on and on about Mark, but perhaps the most significant thing to me what that he was such a great standard bearer for the Gregory J. Salamone Memorial Scholarship. As the first recipient of this award, Mark truly “got” what it meant – to me, to Greg’s parents (Mike and Rosemary) and to the legacy of our program. And yes, again with the storybook ending: Tino left with the steeple record, one of two records (the other being 10,000 meters) that Greg graduated with back in 2001. More than any of the happy and memorable moments in Tino’s five years here, his shepherding of the inaugural scholarship will be what I remember when I’m a truly old man. Thank you.

When, how and why did you start running? Did you play any other sports before/during beginning your time as a runner?

I actually remember running my first 5K race! I had to look up the date but it was November 24th, 2005 (the annual Smithtown Turkey Trot). I was 12 years old and ran 20:41. From that point forward, I took a liking to running and competing in local 5K races. I have some fond memories of competing in the Long Island State Park Summer Run Series at a young age. I was pretty small in stature at that age (I did not have my growth spurt until the second half of high school), so I always was that little kid that seemed like he did not belong at the starting line. My Dad always encouraged me to not be afraid and get myself to the front. Many race directors questioned me when I snuck my way up there! 

As far as other sports go, I started playing soccer when I was 5 years old. I also grew up playing hockey. I recall having to make some very tough decisions by the time I got to high school in regards to choosing between soccer and running. The fall season of my freshman year of high school, I picked soccer over cross country (a decision I still kick myself over to this day). From that point forward, I was a three-season runner in school. 

Talk about your high school running career -- fondest memories, highlights, etc. I know you had a close relationship with one of your coaches who passed away too young. What was that like and how did you honor his memory?

When I think back on high school running memories, I mostly think about the incredible relationships I formed with teammates, fellow competitors, and my coaches. As you mentioned, one of my track coaches--Pat Harmon--died after a long battle with brain cancer during my junior year at the age of 30. It was really tough for our team. Coach Harmon came to practices and meets through his battle. It was so inspiring to me that he was so selfless during a time in which everyone would have understood if he missed a practice or meet due to his circumstances. To honor him, I put together the 5K Run/Walk for Pat Harmon on October 10th, 2011, in which 672 people participated, helping to raise $15,583 for Brain Cancer Research. 

As far as high school running memories are concerned, there are a lot! One memory that sticks out would be qualifying for the State Meet in what would have been my final high school race. I was Suffolk County Champ in the 3000M Steeplechase and made it to my first ever State Meet. I missed the last day of high school to compete!

Talk about the recruiting process. From my recollection, you decided on attending Marist at the very last minute. What other schools were you considering and what ultimately led you to Marist over other schools?

Yeah, I did decide at the last minute! I had been accepted to 10 different schools, but never really formed a solid relationship with any coaches other than the New Paltz (assistant) coach, who at the time was Jut Harris (a Marist alum!). I also did not fall in love with any schools until I stepped foot on the Marist College campus. It speaks for itself, but I immediately knew my decision when I met you and the rest of the guys on the team. I remember hanging with some guys at the Old Gartland houses and thinking about how I wanted that to be me. It was definitely a weird process, but I am so thankful with how it all worked out.

What was your major at Marist and how did it prepare you for your teaching career?

My major at Marist was Mathematics/Secondary Education. I can confidently say that Marist did a great job preparing me for my teaching career. Not only did I learn a lot, but I was challenged. The courses were both extremely difficult and at the same time fulfilling. I also got my Masters Degree at Marist in Educational Psychology. My student teaching at Marist helped land me my first leave replacement teaching job, and from there I got the experience I needed to land the teaching job that I have now had for four years in Roslyn. 

You had a GREAT career as a student-athlete at Marist. What are some of your favorite memories and highlights?

Phew! I’ll have to list some running highlights first. To start, competing at Junior Nationals at the University of Indiana my freshman year was a fantastic experience. I’ll never forget those meals we shared at Yogi’s! Breaking 15 minutes in the 5K is another memory I won’t forget. Fun fact, my high school teammate Jason Santos was in the same heat as me so it was special to experience that with one of my best friends alongside me. That and all of my incredible teammates plus coaches that collectively occupied lanes 4-6 of the magic carpet in Boston during that painful last 1000m. I was also lucky enough to be able to compete at Penn Relays three times in the 3K Steeple event while at Marist, which I’ll always be appreciative of. I have so many Marist steeplechase memories I could share ... I think you mentioned once that I may have raced in that event more than anyone else!? One of my fondest cross country memories is actually a race that I did not participate in. The MAAC Championship my 5th year when we shocked the MAAC to take 2nd was an experience I’ll never forget. Even though I did not race with that team it was amazing to be a part of it. I still have the manila envelope that had our bibs/pins from that day tucked away somewhere safe, it really was that special of a day. 

Race highlights aside, I’m so thankful for all of the lifelong relationships I formed at Marist. Countless memories in the cafeteria and at Red Fox Eatery (you know how much I love my post-run meals). I’m also particularly fond of my memories spent with the Student Athlete Athletics Committee and our donation of bikes each year for the giving tree mass. Playing piano at those Masses each year was always such a special experience. 

You saved the best for last -- ending your career with a school record. What was THAT like?

That was a day that I will never forget. It’s funny because I began that day teaching up in Hyde Park! Not only that but I woke up pretty sick, a rather annoying congestion/head cold came over me. I drove myself down to Princeton after a half-day of work and ran a race that really would not have been possible without so many outside motivations. The steeplechase school record was something I had my mind set on/was going after for quite some time. At the start of my fifth year I wrote 9:05 on a Post-It note and it was hanging in my room above my desk for me to look at each and every day. I wanted to remind myself what I was working towards. Our school record board had also recently been put up in the McCann Center. The record boards were donated in honor of my grandparents, and I really wanted to get my name up on that board for them. The race itself was pretty wild--on the first water barrier my foot split through my racing shoe which was not exactly optimal. I remember you telling me that I needed a 70 on the final lap to get the record and in that moment, I truly believed I was going to do it. I shared so many unforgettable hugs after that race. With you, my parents, my teammates that were there to support. Nobody does it alone, and that day was a true testament to that. 

You were the first recipient of the Greg Salamone Memorial Scholarship. Talk about how much that meant to you and the legacy that he created and you started with the scholarship. 

It is such an honor to be the first recipient of the Greg Salamone Memorial Scholarship. I know how much Greg meant to you, and how hard his passing was. I remember our team rallying around his memory many times during practices/workouts/races. You did an amazing job honoring his memory by telling stories of his toughness and dedication to the sport. We ran as a team for Greg. Personally, being that Greg was a steeplechase school record holder at the time of his graduation, I felt a special connection to his legacy. It is always phenomenal to hear who the scholarship recipient is each year. It was also very special to be able to share a beautiful lunch with Greg’s parents, my parents, and you at Hyde Park Brewery. It is so important that we remember our roots. So many great athletes came before us and helped to pave the way for future athletes. Greg certainly did that--he wore the Red & White with pride and that’s something I always aspired to do. He is a reminder that this sport, and really everything we do in life, should never be taken for granted. 

Talk about your career, running and LIFE path since you left Marist. A lot has happened -- all of it GOOD! 

Since graduating from Marist, I landed a teaching job at Roslyn High School on Long Island. I am just now completing my fourth year, crazy! I’ve had the pleasure of coaching Cross Country and Track at the high school. Our spring track team was Nassau County Champs two years ago--an accomplishment that I was never able to achieve as an athlete--so it was truly special. Running wise--I’ve been able to stay in shape and run the occasional 5K here or there. I’ve run two marathons (both the Suffolk County Marathon), both on no “real” training and in the pouring rain. I ran 3:07 in 2017 and 3:04 in 2019 (running with Bryan Buttigieg the race winner!). I’m not done with the marathon distance just yet! I’ll save the best for last ... LIFE highlights! Since graduating I had the unforgettable experience of completing both the Rim to Rim and the Rim to Rim to Rim Challenge in the Grand Canyon. Back in 2017 while completing Rim to Rim I buried my marriage proposal at the bottom of the canyon with plans to uncover it at a later date to propose to my future wife. Soon thereafter, I had the pleasure of connecting with that person, and in 2018 we hiked down to the bottom of the canyon, uncovered my marriage proposal, and I asked her to marry me! I married my wonderful wife, Alexis, in July of 2019! Shout out to Butti for being the best best man a friend could ask for--that speech will go down in history! Alexis and I have since bought a house in Wantagh, NY and live happily with our dog, Ella! 

How has the pandemic affected you professionally and personally? Where do you see this thing going?

Professionally, I’ve been teaching from home for just about three months now! It’s crazy how time has seemed to both fly and stand still at the same time during this pandemic. From a teacher standpoint, I mostly feel for the students and parents. Their lives have been turned upside down and I give the kids a lot of credit for the work they are doing. I am currently teaching predominantly 6th graders ... they’re 11 or 12 years old! I’m very proud of all the work they are completing remotely. Personally, it’s meant a lot of time at home with Alexis and the pup which has been very nice. I am hopeful that we will soon have a vaccine for the virus, because without one I do not think we will see true normalcy for quite some time. 

As you know, our recently graduated seniors lost so much with the shuttering of school. What message can you impart of these men and women?

I feel a close association to the pain that the recently graduated seniors are feeling as the high school seniors I coach also missed out on their respective “last” season. What I will say is this--no one else will carry that feeling with them. The seniors DO. And it is their choice what they decide to do with their feelings. The seniors that lost out on so many incredible celebrations/last races/last chances KNOW what it feels like to go without. To me, that should only make their future celebrations/races/life moments mean even more. Every new day and moment is an opportunity to make something count. These individuals know what it means to truly miss out, I hope they use that as motivation to move forward and make the most of everything that comes their way. 

Anything else you'd like to ADD …

Thank you for having me! It was a lot of fun to reminisce on past memories. Marist holds five years of life moments in my heart that I will always be grateful for. My gratitude to the running community is endless--running has given me everything I could have ever wanted in life--true love, lasting friendship, and the constant reminder that we can ALWAYS be better in everything that we do. I also have to thank you, Coach Pete, for always supporting me and helping to shape the man I have become. I also owe a major thanks to my parents for supporting me and never missing a race when I donned the Red & White. Go Red Foxes!