When Peter LaPointe began his track career at Catasauqua, he thought he would be involved with jumps.

But when it was suggested that he run the 400, LaPointe figured he would try it.

Now, two years later, LaPointe is on scheduled to be one of the area’s top runners in the event. It has been a complete turnaround from searching to find himself in the sport.

“Some of my friends were talking about track, but I felt like I didn’t have enough confidence to go out in my freshman year,” said the senior. “I decided to try and run the 400, and I’m glad that I stuck with it.”

LaPointe had played basketball his entire life, but he decided to forego his senior season to concentrate on track.

Running, though, has always been a natural staple for him.

“Obviously, I ran for basketball,” noted LaPointe. “I didn’t run that much when I was young. But running has been fun for me. It pushes and motivates me to do my best in everything.”

LaPointe recalled how he started running the 400 halfway through his sophomore year, and how his initial times hovered around the 59-second mark. He also ran the 200 in his early days.

“I knew I had a lot to improve on,” said Lapointe. “The coaches told me that I need to get a better block start and working on accelerating more in the first 100 meters. I also discovered that I had to work on my endurance down the stretch.”

LaPointe did, and he recently recorded a personal best, a 54.8 mark against Southern Lehigh this season. He later toped that with a 54.4 against Northwestern, which puts him tied for ninth in the Colonial League.

Head coach Kyle Rusnock has recognized LaPointe’s contributions, and he is optimistic LaPointe can make an impact in the postseason.

“Peter has been a great athlete for us over the years,” said Rusnock. “This season looks like it will be his best.

“Peter’s offseason work s paying off for him already in the couple of meets. Peter is already running a fast 400, and we know he will improve even more over the next month.

“He is dedicated and ready.”

LaPointe also has been one of the participants in the team’s 400, 1600, and 3200 relay teams that have been successful over the past two years.

“We ran really well last year, and we we’re close to getting to states,” said LaPointe. “We’re expecting some big things this year.”

LaPointe plans to attend Penn State next fall and pursue a career in cyber security. In addition, LaPointe likes to video edit as a hobby. He often will make his own videos on topics.

In the meantime, LaPointe will look to build on his own times and help the team in the process.

“I believe I am in the top-10 in the league in the 400,” added LaPointe. “I am confident and I feel good about the rest of the season.

“Everyone is really coming around, and we should have a good year.”