JPII Running Senior Spotlight: Nick Zylka

Nick is running his favorite event, the 4x400-meter relay, at the Washington State Track and Field Championships.

Nick Zylka doesn’t demand attention — he earns respect wherever he goes.

Whether in the classroom or midway through a grueling cross-country race, he is known for work ethic and consistency — the kind built through discipline, humility, and quiet effort when no one is watching.

A three-sport athlete at Pope John Paul II High School, Nick has built a rare balance of academic excellence and athletic commitment. He carries a 3.97 unweighted GPA (4.27 weighted), is a member of the National Honor Society, and earned Highest Honors on the JPII Honor Roll. His work has also been recognized beyond his school, with Washington State University awarding him both the Regents Scholarship and the Distinguished University Achievement Award — honors that reflect preparation as much as performance.

But numbers alone don’t define him.

On the basketball court, Nick’s growth came through steady improvement and coachability. After playing both JV and Varsity as a freshman, he earned JV MVP honors in 2022–23 and was named Varsity’s Most Improved Player the following season — recognition that followed countless unseen hours of work.

Track has provided some of his most memorable moments. As part of the 4x400 relay team, Nick stood on the state podium in both his sophomore and junior years — an achievement he values less for the medal and more for the shared trust among teammates. With his senior season ahead, he’s focused on one more run — not for recognition, but for the team beside him.

In cross country, his leadership left a lasting mark. Named Most Inspirational on Varsity and serving as both Co-Captain and later Team Captain, Nick led without speeches or spotlight. He led by example — showing up early, staying late when necessary, and encouraging others when workouts got difficult. Nick was also a member of the JPII state championship boys' cross-country team in 2025.

His foundation extends beyond sport and school. Grounded in his faith, Nick often reflects on 1 Peter 5:7 — “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” — a perspective that gives him steadiness under pressure. That same outlook is evident in his service with Our Common Farms, Table of Grace, and the Thurston County Food Bank, where he volunteers without seeking recognition.

As his coach, I have seen a defining trait in Nick: he chooses effort when things get uncomfortable.

There’s a point in distance running sometimes called “mile three” — where fatigue sets in, doubts surface, and talent alone is no longer enough. It’s where character takes over. Nick has made a habit of meeting that mile head-on — choosing discipline over shortcuts, faith over fear, and team over self. And that may ultimately be what sets him apart most — not just how he performs, but who he becomes in the process.

From a coach’s perspective, what makes Nick especially well prepared for college and beyond is that his habits are already ahead of his age. He manages his time well, responds to coaching, supports teammates, and competes with purpose rather than ego. He does not need external pressure to do the work — he brings his own standard each day. That internal drive, paired with strong faith and character, gives him unusual stability and upward momentum. In short, Nick is an inspiration to others.

College will not change who Nick is — it will give him a larger arena in which to apply the same discipline, humility, and resilience he has already built. I do not doubt that wherever Nick’s path leads, he will make a meaningful impact — using his character, faith, and work ethic to lift others and strengthen every community he becomes part of.

It is a privilege to serve as one of Nick’s coaches, and I wish him nothing but the best in the years ahead. May God guide and watch over this amazing young man.

Blessings,

Coach Weber

Philippians 4:13

Nick holding one of the state championship trophies at the 2025 Washington State High School Cross-Country Championships in Pasco, Washington