Before he was a three-time national champion, Trevor Richwine was just a sport-loving kid who enjoyed running around the house with his siblings. After starting his track and field career in high school, his love for the sport grew more every day. Let’s learn more about three-time 800m national champion, Trevor Richwine ’26:
Q: When and how did your track and field journey begin?
A: Growing up I always loved racing my siblings around the house so I just naturally enjoyed running at a younger age. However, I was a huge sports fan, so I didn't end up starting track until my junior year of high school because I was playing baseball up until that point. From there, I gave track a shot and just stuck with it.
Q: How would you describe the feeling of winning a national championship? What emotions did you feel in those moments?
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A: Relieved. In track, you only get two chances each year, and it is extremely hard because everyone wants to win, and a lot of things have to go right in the race to actually pull off the win. So, each time I won I just felt satisfied and grateful because I put in the work year round, and having that work payoff is a great feeling.
Q: Behind the scenes, what did you do to prepare for the national championship, both mentally and physically?
A: I stayed consistent and determined. Just about every night you could find me in the Kline Center either lifting or on the exercise bike because I wanted to win so badly. I never gave up even when I wanted to and always kept pushing forward. So, having those tough lifts and tough workouts mentally and physically prepared me for the super fast races. Additionally, I am a Christian, so I prayed a lot and that helped me tremendously as well.
Q: Over your four years, what were some of your favorite memories made off the track?
A: Hooping with some of the guys and having some good conversations at caf were certainly some top moments. Also, the relationships I have built with Nichter and some guys on the team will last me a lifetime, and I am very grateful for that.
Q: Out of your three national championship titles, which one means the most to you and why?
A: The last one meant the most to me because I felt the most pressure. Because I won the last two titles, I felt everyone expected me to win, and in track it honestly is not that easy. You might have an upset stomach, your legs might not be feeling fresh, etc. So, I was super nervous about that one. Also, one of the top competitors I was racing was a senior and at his home track for the championship, so it was a little intimidating. I was super glad that I was able to handle that pressure and end my collegiate career with another title. Plus, I was so happy Nichter could end his track coaching career by leading me to a title.
Q: Do you have any pre-meet rituals, superstitions, or mantras?
A: Prayers before each race is the go to.
Q: If you could go back in time to your first year, what is one thing you would tell yourself?
A: It'll all be okay. My first year I felt super overwhelmed from the beginning, and I feared that I would not be able to continue running because of how mentally and physically demanding it is. But, it all worked out in the end.
Q: In the classroom, what was your favorite class and professor at Dickinson?
A: AI as a Partner with James D'Annibale. Genuinely an awesome guy and super interesting class.
Q: When you aren't on the track, what do you like to do in your free time?
A: Golf, basketball, hiking, and hanging out with friends and family. Honestly, anything outside.
Q: If you didn't run the 800m, what event would you focus on?
A: Realistically the 400m because I was solid at that too. Ideally the 100m because that seems way more exciting and fun.
Q: Is there anyone you'd like to thank? (Coaches, family, friends, teammates, etc.)
A: Coach Nichter for making me the athlete I am today. My family, especially my mom who made sure to come to every meet that she could. My teammates who made running way more enjoyable. Coach Mike and Coach Glennon and Coach Beck as well for getting me mentally and physically prepared. Plus, countless others, including God.
Q: Now that you've officially graduated from Dickinson, what's next for you?
A: The future is still up in the air for me. Right now I am still training with Garden State Track Club, and Coach Nichter is still coaching me while I run under their name. As of now, the goal is to make the USA championships late July of this year, and hopefully down the line I hope to get a sponsorship. Depending on how that all goes, the Olympic Trials could be a possibility in 2028.
