Junior outdoor track standout Rikervin “Ricky” Encarnacion hoped to run track his freshman year, but the pandemic wiped out the entire spring sports season in 2020. Undeterred, Ricky got his outdoor track career started last year, and has seen a tremendous amount of success ever since.
Ricky, who moved to Leominster from the Dominican Republic when he was four, was first introduced to the sport by former Blue Devil track star Joachim Ennoo, who currently is on the UMass Amherst track team. Ricky said he is driven to get better every day.
“The competition is always against yourself, to beat your personal best every attempt you get,” Ricky said.
“He’s a great athlete who’s shown commitment to the team this year,” Leominster track coach Cathy Harris said. “It’s his second year on the team and he has natural talent.”
Ricky’s events include the 100, the triple jump, the long jump, as well as being a member of the 4x100 team.
“Ricky always had a positive attitude,” Harris said. “Great kid all around.”
Ricky said being a part of the LHS track team is special.
“The culture we have as a track team (is what I like the most),” Ricky said. “We support all of our athletes from throwers to sprinters to long distance runners, always cheering each other on at meets.”
Ricky also plays football and basketball at Leominster, excelling at both. Ricky said his favorite teacher is Mr. Noviello, who teaches his favorite class, honors physics.
Outside of school, Ricky plays flag football and made the USA National Flag Football team. He also loves spending time with friends and family.
After high school, Ricky’s goals include going to college and studying engineering while also studying real estate.
“I also want to be a positive influence to other kids in some way,” Ricky said.
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