Norwin runner Michael Makay proves to himself, others he is ‘more than just that kid with autism’

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, July 26, 2025 | 10:54 AM

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What used to intimidate Michael Makay now makes him stronger.

The rising senior at Norwin runs track and cross country with the same purpose and dedication as his teammates, only he has something they do not: autism.

Makay said his greatest challenge — perhaps his primary goal — is to separate himself from the pack in ways that go beyond the track and course. His finish line is much further down the road, yet he pushes to reach it.

“I feel like I need to work harder than my peers,” he said, “to prove to myself that I am more than just that kid with autism.”

But he is more than that. He doesn’t just participate in the two sports, he competes in them.

“Mike is the best teammate any coach could want,” Norwin cross country coach Brian Fleckenstein said. “Mike worked so hard to improve, going from an over 30-minute 5K (time) to running in the 18:00s.

“He was reminiscing the other day and reminded me of when he fell asleep at the first morning practice his freshmen year in the summer. He has grown by leaps and bounds. Mike continues to prove that if you work hard at this sport, you can improve tremendously. He wants to always be the best version of himself.”

An outlet

Makay’s father, Ed, played basketball at Serra Catholic and Duquesne.

Michael began playing basketball and soccer when he was 6, but he struggled pre-diagnosis with team sports.

“But his sports life totally changed in seventh grade when he started running for Norwin,” Ed Makay said.

Michael Makay immediately took to track and cross country. Last fall, he ranked 12th out of 34 cross country runners at Norwin, but did not place in any meets.

In track, he ran a 5-minute, 24.36-second 1,600-meter race, a significant improvement over his 5:56.87 when he was a freshman. His best mark in ninth grade in the 5,000 meters was 31 minutes, 10 seconds. He improved drastically in that event, too, with an 18:43.20.

With his condition, he often has trouble falling asleep at night and does not take naps. Still, he makes the team’s 7:30 a.m. running practices in the summer, with perfect attendance.

Listening to music on his cell phone helps to alleviate anxiety and calm his nerves.

Getting his running shoes tied just right — his dad helps with the loop, swoop and pull — also aids his comfort zone and performance.

“He has incredible coaches, teammates and, most importantly, incredible structure, which has totally changed Mike’s life,” Ed Makay said. “He went from not interacting with kids to having many friends. He went from not having confidence to having confidence.

“I believe sports are so important to young people, and I want parents of children with autism to know that their children can succeed and thrive in the right sport. Maybe most importantly, I want young people with autism to also know this.”

Makay doesn’t like to be singled out because of his disorder, but watch him compete and it might be tough to notice he has one.

“I just go with the flow and try to fit in with the rest of the team,” he said.

“I saw how much hard work everyone put into the sport and how determined my teammates were to be successful, and that inspired me to become better at track,” he said. “I started doing cross country in ninth grade, and even though I wasn’t that good at the time, the people on the team were very supportive and were fun to be around. When I was in 10th grade, I became really good at cross country and truly fell in love with the sport.”

Sports represent a different place for Makay, practically devoid of the issues he faces in public situations.

“Sometimes when I am interacting with people, they might misunderstand me because I acted differently from other people, and they judge me and are very rude to me because of it,” he said. “During high school, I began to move out of classes that were specialized for students with disabilities. This transition was exciting and has given me confidence in my academic abilities.”

A passion

Recent Norwin grad Kaden Markovich showed his affection for Makay by giving him a stuffed animal dog and a heartfelt card at the banquet.

“Mike is always having a big heart, eager, and always passionate to get whatever he is doing done and in the best way possible,” Markovich said. “Mike is one of the most wholesome-hearted people I have ever met. He is always in touch with me asking how he can get better, and questions about newspaper articles when I had class with him. The kid deserves all the credit in the world. I have never heard him say a rude thing.”

Michael Makay also writes and coordinates social media for the school newspaper, the Knight Krier.

“He’s not afraid to ask anyone questions,” said Fleckenstein, an English teacher at Norwin who also works with the Krier.

A family

When he prepares to race, Makay turns to a sense of urgency to get him going.

“I tell myself, this is your time in high school, you better make it memorable and exciting,” he said.

Norwin doesn’t have to look far for inspiration or positivity at meets.

“Mike celebrates everyone’s accomplishments regularly,” Fleckenstein said. “He gets so happy to see his team and friends succeed and is always there to congratulate or pump them up. He makes social media hype videos and picture-collages of his friends and sends them before big meets. Additionally, Mike attends every single graduation party he’s invited to. Nothing makes him happier than being surrounded by his friends.”

Fleckenstein preaches a family mentality in his program, as does Tim Van Horn with track and field.

He said Makay is the epitome of that turn of mind.

“Mike truly represents what Norwin cross country is at its heart,” he said. “We compete athletically and hold ourselves to high standards. But most of all, we include and celebrate each and every person on this team.

“We truly are a family, and no one epitomizes that better than Michael Makay.”

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Norwin