Photo Credit: Craig Amoss
Name: Parker O'Brien
School: Leonardtown
What was your most memorable race/throw/jump/vault/moment? Why is that?
4x8 States 2022 was my most memorable race because our girls' team won States with a time of 9:27 and beat the school record by seven seconds. It was something we worked really hard for, and it was just very rewarding. It was a moment nobody can take away from us. None of us were expecting to run the race the way we did.
Was there a certain moment or breakthrough race/meet when you realized you would be able to compete at a high level?
I had been running for many years but had struggled with underperforming. I think my sophomore year was when I started to break through and progress a lot more. I won regionals in the 800 in the 2020 indoor season, which was my first title in high school, that's when I started realizing that I was a good competitor.
What are some bumps in the road that you've encountered when it comes to training for different events during the season?
Mostly, I have struggled with the mental aspects of racing. Runners get it - it's not just about your stride or your decision to kick at a certain point. It's maintaining that self-belief and calling on your toughness when you need it. It's an ongoing struggle, but I'm figuring it out. Obviously, Covid was a huge bump in the road, but I was fortunate enough to have my teammates to run with and keep me going.
If you are writing a letter to your younger freshman self, what advice might you give them?
Stretch. Roll. And love your team, because those relationships are the best part of it all.
If you had to pick: Track and Field or Cross Country, and why? (If you only run Track, then don't worry about explaining why).
I've always preferred track because there are fewer variables. And relays are the best. But cross country is growing on me.
What are your post-high school or college plans? If Running in college, explain why you picked that school.
I will be running XC and track at Marist College. I chose the program after meeting the team and seeing how they feel about their coach. The girls seemed super happy at Marist. I also felt that the coach really treated me like a person, not just a runner.
What is your favorite pre-race snack, tradition, etc.?
Justin's peanut butter packets. They help me feel energized, but not hungry, and don't upset my stomach.
Name the top Maryland Cross Country or Track moment(s) you have witnessed. Could be by the level of greatness or just something that really stood out to you.
2021 Seahawk XC Invitational was one of the top moments that I witnessed. Lots of my teammates got a PR, everyone was having a great time cheering everybody on, and it was a super competitive race for me. It was also the first big race after Covid. I like to look back on the videos and pictures we took on that day because everyone looked so genuinely happy just to be there.
Who would you like to say "thank you" to?
I would like to thank all of my high school coaches because practice was always the best part of every school day. And Coach Rick Hageman, who worked with me from when I was just 11 and used to cry during hill workouts. I would also like to thank my family for being my ride or dies throughout my whole journey.
Is there anything else you would like to mention that stands out over the past 4 years?
There's an unspoken tradition at my school where the older girls on the team really take care of, and look out for, the younger girls on the team. I appreciated that so much when I was a freshman, and I enjoyed being that leader when I was a senior. I can't wait to come back and see what the younger girls at Leonardtown will do; they're very talented and have a super strong bond. I also cannot wait to finally just be a spectator at Bull Run!!
