The first impression someone has of you is made within the first 10 seconds of crossing his path.

For freshman Noel Nowacki, this impression changes almost immediately when sitting down to have a conversation with him.

At first glance, Nowacki seems tall and outgoing.

When beginning to discuss his goals and achievements, it was easy to tell that the life of Nowacki is made up almost completely of sports.

Nowacki participates in swimming, baseball, and football.

Some friends of Nowacki describe him as determined, dedicated, and persistent.

Freshman Braiden Mancuor plays football with Nowacki. The two have been friends since seventh grade when Nowacki first moved to Kearsley.

Mancour said Nowacki puts his best into every game he plays.

“He doesn’t give up,” Mancour said. “He is always so dedicated to sports, and he’s great at motivating others.”

Nowacki is not as outgoing as he may seem.

Mancour said it took him a long time to get to know Nowacki because he does not open up to others right from the start.

In addition, Nowacki’s parents push him to do his best in sports.

“Around Noel’s birthday his dad would train us for football,” Mancour said. “Honestly, he would work our butts off.”

Nowacki tries to think of others before himself. He enjoys making others happy by helping them out.

Caring for others as well as motivating them to do their best are two of the best traits Nowacki could have. He pulls his own motivation from his family who always supports him and is there for him.

Nowacki spoke more about swimming than any other sport.

He said he loves every thing about swimming — from the practice to the meets.

The feeling Nowacki receives when taking first in one of his events is not something that he can easily explain. But it is easily imaginable as many people enjoy winning.

Swimming makes Nowacki feel great and gives him the opportunity to track his progress.

Nowacki has learned every stroke and has swam every stroke in competitive meets.

The most devastating situation Nowacki has experienced during a competitive meet was losing the 50-yard freestyle in the CANUSA games.

Nowacki believes that although the loss was quite upsetting, it encouraged him to do better.

During his first swim season in high school, Nowacki took fifth place in the 50 freestyle at the Metro League meet.

Nowacki plans to continue swimming throughout high school as well as participating in baseball and football.

He will also continue to motivate others to do their best at every task presented to them.