A Quick Six from Spring Sports Senior Ryan O’Dea
Trinity senior Ryan O’Dea
March 25, 2021
A third place in the KHSAA State Cross Country Meet in 2019, helping the Rocks win championship No. 20. A third place in the 3,200 in the 2019 track state meet. Success is the norm for All-State runner senior Ryan O’Dea, who answered a quick six questions.
Q: When did you first start running and what made you realize cross country and track were a good fit?
A: I began running on a school team, Highlands Latin School, when I was in second grade. It was one of the only sports available to kids that age. I considered it something new that I didn’t know much about, and several of my classmates were also participating. Ever since then, I have continued to increase my dedication, time and energy to the sport. Throughout elementary and middle school, I played many sports, but it wasn’t until eighth grade that I realized that I wanted to focus on running. That year I ran for a club team, my middle school team in KTCCCA meets, as well as my school’s high school team in the KCAA meets. Needless to say, I got a good taste of the sport that year.
Q: What are your goals for your senior season?
A: My academic goals are to maintain my strong grades. My athletic goal is to win a state title.
Q: What is motivating you and pushing you toward accomplishing those goals?
A: Knowing that this is my last season, I want to finish strong and make my final high school season my best.
Q: At the Naval Academy, what do you hope to accomplish athletically?
A: I plan to run both cross country and track at the Academy. I hope to continue to improve my times, stay healthy, and be an asset to my new team.
Q: What have been the challenges to running for the Trinity teams?
A: There have been many practices and setbacks that have been difficult and challenging to overcome; however, I have gotten back, and will continue to get back, on my feet and keep running. Never have I wanted to give up the sport.
Q: What benefits do you take away from your time with the Trinity cross country and track teams?
A: The camaraderie of friends and leadership skills that I have taken away from the cross country and track teams at Trinity will be something I will never forget. I have been blessed to hold varsity and team captain roles on my high school teams. These positions have given me the opportunity and practice to lead through both words and actions.
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Scott Michael Holzknecht • Mar 25, 2021 at 11:44 am
Ryan is one of the All-Time greats of Trinity Distance Running. Been a blessing to be able to coach him!