For senior Neil VanKirk, being a Delbarton student-athlete isn't just about running fast — it's about embracing every opportunity the school offers. As a captain of the cross country team and a proud member of the Delbarton Orchestra, VanKirk represents what it truly means to be well-rounded. Whether he's pushing himself through the final stretch of a 5K or performing in front of a crowd, Neil embodies discipline, curiosity, and quiet leadership.
Finding His Stride
Running wasn't always part of Van Kirk's plan. When he was younger, Neil tried to find something that would keep him outside and away from a screen. He tried everything — basketball, baseball, lacrosse, soccer — but none of them sparked joy the way running eventually did.
"When my dad signed me up for a clinic with Mendham Magic, I found something different," VanKirk says. "I found a sport where I felt the wind, I could be in nature — and I was happy every single day I ran."
That early spark turned into a deep appreciation for the rhythm, focus, and community that come with distance running.
Moments That Stay With You
When asked about his favorite Delbarton memory, VanKirk doesn't pick a medal moment — he picks two memories rooted in experience and camaraderie.
"The first was watching Collin Boler set the Greystone Course record, racing to the end despite his extraordinary lead," he says. "Even from the sidelines, the gravity was palpable, especially for the younger runners like myself who had never witnessed such a feat before."
"The second is simpler," he continues. "Driving teammates back to Trinity after practice, talking and laughing after hours of exhaustion. There is this iron bond formed after long hours of mutual exhaustion that breaks down the walls between people."
Inspired by Team and Character
VanKirk draws his inspiration from those around him, starting with a former teammate named Matt.
"He was a senior when I was a freshman, and he genuinely cared about everyone," VanKirk says. "Even when he was injured, he showed up for every meet and cheered for all of us. I don't think he knows how much that meant."
That sense of compassion and leadership is something VanKirk carries into his own captaincy.
The Calm Before the Race
Every runner has their pre-race ritual — for Van Kirk, it's "The Trooper" by Iron Maiden.
"I love the fast tempo, the novel rhythm and instrumentation, and the overall feeling of dedication to a cause," he says. "Runners have to be calm, but you also need your blood pumping. It's about finding that balance between focus and energy."
On Goals and Growth
This season, Neil's goal is simple but meaningful: to break 18 minutes in the 5K and help his team compete at their best, whether it's JV or Varsity.
"Sometimes that means securing a scoring position," he says. "Sometimes it means pushing harder than I thought possible. Whatever helps the team succeed."
The Harmony of Athletics and the Arts
When he's not running, VanKirk can be found in the orchestra or on stage for Delbarton's One Acts. He's quick to point out that performing takes just as much dedication as racing.
"Playing an instrument or acting requires the same intensity as daily practice — just without the lactic acid," he jokes. "Although watching everything come together is just as rewarding."
"The Delbarton Arts Program lets you try anything, whether you are a novice or a rising star. As someone in the first category, I found the One Acts an outlet to try acting, and the orchestra a place to try a variety of musical types and instruments; you do not have to be the next Yo Yo Ma or George Clooney to join."
Lessons Beyond the Track
VanKirk carries wisdom from his father Matt, who once shared a quote from explorer Ernest Shackleton, when he sough sailors to join his expedition:
'Men wanted for hazardous journey, small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful, honor and recognition in case of success.'
"His expedition became legendary for his endurance in the face of adversity, and what I learned from all this was that everyday may be a different row of trials and scares, difficulties and failures, yet that is what we sign up for every day. We have to choose how we respond to these challenges, to give up, to survive, or to thrive. Whether I follow this daily, I will always try to do good in the face of stress unto others."
Advice for Future Green Wave Students
To those who dream of balancing sports, academics, and the arts like he has at Delbarton, VanKirk has one piece of advice: don't let anyone put you in a box.
"At Delbarton, you have a chance to do everything, and if what you dream of does not yet constitute something, you can go make this a reality with the support of the full Delbarton community behind you," says VanKirk. "Know this also, that people will attempt to categorize you as something, athlete, academic, musician, whatever, it's human nature to sort, but the greatest people I know defy simple placement and throw labels out the window because they are greater than any of these parts. Try something new that you thought you would never want to do before, and be amazed."
For Neil VanKirk, success isn't measured by times, trophies, or titles. It's about finding joy in the journey — whether that's under the bright lights of the Fine Arts Center or at the starting line of County Championships.
