Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight

Parents’ names: John (JR) & Laura Fabry
Siblings: Lawson Fabry
Position or events: 800M and 1600M in track
Instagram: @emersonfabry

Career Highlight: Breaking multiple long standing high school records. Securing a State podium finish for the 2025 Division 1 800M race. Qualifying and competing in the Adidas Track Nationals Championships in Greensboro, NC., resulting in my current Personal Record of 2:13.96 in the 800M.

How did you get started playing your sport?
I actually got into the sport after winning my very first race at age 5. My parents accidentally lined me up in the boys’ race and I ended up winning it. That was when I fell in love with running.

How has the balance between academics and athletics changed for you from freshman to senior year?
When I first started high school, I was determined to put myself in a position to attend a great college—whether that opportunity came from academics or athletics. Because of that, I focused heavily on the classroom and pushed myself to excel. Over the years, I’ve learned how to balance both sides of my life more efficiently, staying committed to my training while still holding myself to a high academic standard. Today, I’m proud to be maintaining a 4.0+ GPA and to be a member of the National Honor Society.

What is your favorite part about this sport? What is the most challenging part about this sport?

My favorite part about the sport is being able to challenge myself every day whether it is a workout or a race. I love spending time with my teammates and trying to make practice fun. The most challenging part about my sport would be not seeing a desired result at the end of a race, I try to learn from race experiences and take that knowledge with me for future races.

What has been your most memorable experience in high school sports so far?
My most memorable experiences in high school sports aren’t just the big moments like races or championships, they’re the little things such as team dinners, bus rides, or walking around downtown La Crosse before the state track meet. Sharing those small moments with my teammates are what make the sport so special to me, they remind me how much I love being part of a team that feels like family.

Do you have a bucket list goal that pertains to your sport?
One of my bucket list goals is to keep improving my personal records in all of my events. I would also like to be part of a championship team in college and will be working hard to achieve that at Northern Illinois University.

How does it feel as a senior, to look back throughout high school and see your growth (as a person and athlete)?
When I first started high school, my main priority was academics. I wanted to keep all options open for college. I focused heavily on maintaining strong grades. As I’ve progressed through high school, I’ve learned how to balance both academics and athletics more effectively. I’ve developed better time management skills, allowing me to excel in the classroom while also committing fully to my sport. Now, I see both areas as equally important parts of who I am and what I hope to bring to college.

Do you have any pre-game rituals/routines/superstitions?
Some of my pre-race rituals include having a pasta dinner the night before a competition and listening to upbeat music during my warm-up to get excited for the race.

Dream vacation destination?

My dream vacation destination would be an all-inclusive resort in Hawaii.

Any quotes that help you in your sport or life in general?
A quote that really motivates me is, “Racing is a celebration of training.” To me, it’s a reminder that race day isn’t just about the result, it’s about honoring all the hard work that went into getting there.

Favorite food?
Seafood.

Random fun fact about you?
I love collecting oddly shaped and interesting coffee mugs.

Any hobbies outside of your sport?
Outside of my sport, I love spending time outdoors, going on hikes, swimming and exploring the nature preserves near my family’s cottage in Door County.

Favorite movie/TV show?

My favorite movie is The Hunger Games.

Any memorable coaches or teammates you’d like to shout out?
I’d like to give a shoutout to Matt Mroczynski and Rick Kamps for always believing in me and motivating me to do my best. Their confidence in me and their unforgettable pre-race pep talks have made a huge impact on my success.

Future Plans? (college, major, career, etc.)
I plan to attend Northern Illinois University, where I’ll be running track and cross country. NIU is a Division I school in the MAC conference, located in DeKalb, Ill. While I’m there, I plan to pursue a degree in business and continue growing both as a student and an athlete.