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10/10/2019 12:00 AMAfter playing for the North Haven boys’ soccer team during his first two years of high school, Patrick Rourke decided to run cross country as a junior in hopes of preparing himself to compete at a higher level in track. Patrick has participated in track since middle school and currently does the 400, 800, 1,600, 3,200, and the triple jump for the Indians.
“I loved to play soccer and loved my teammates and coaches, who are doing a great job revamping the program. But in the end, I’m better at running, and I like running more, so I decided to do cross country,” says Patrick. “I’m hoping it will get me better for track, because I’m hoping to possibly run in college. I thought cross country would be a good way to get in shape.”
Patrick says that the 800 and 1,600 are his two best events on the track. However, no matter what event he’s competing in or the team that he’s competing with, Patrick has a knack for faring well in long-distance races.
“The coach for the [outdoor] track team, Steve Celmer, always had us go on distance runs led by [assistant] coaches Jerry Munck and John Snow. He’s done a great job of getting us to love distance running and teaching us the mechanics to do it,” Patrick says. “Since I do go on long runs, it wasn’t hard to transition to the workouts we do here at practice.”
Patrick embraces the challenge of enduring a 5K race on the cross country trails. Patrick is determined to push himself to the max in order to complete the 3.1-mile gauntlet.
“I’m more used to the 800 [a half mile] and 1,600 [one mile], so switching from that to go 3.1 miles is a big distance that I’m still adjusting to,” says Patrick. “What is getting me there is my drive and desire to beat the guys in front of me. It also helps that all my coaches and teammates are pushing me to get better.”
Cross country Head Coach Carl Jackson says that Patrick is working hard for his club this season. Jackson feels that Patrick’s work ethic is making the Indians a more competitive all-around team.
“Patrick is new to cross country, but he’s not new to running. Patrick works hard every practice, and he’s always looking for knowledge on how he can make himself better, which also helps the team be more successful,” Coach Jackson says. “He’s made a big impact and taken the team up another level. They’re a more competitive team than they were in year’s past.”
The biggest adjustment for Patrick in cross country is dealing with the different terrains. Patrick is used to the track, although he’s still adjusting to the uphill struggle that comes with cross country.
“The hills are still difficult, but I’m getting better at them. Coach Jackson has done great with getting us to run a few hills in workouts, so they don’t intimidate me as much as they used to,” says Patrick. “I’ve been working a lot harder in practice, trying to stay with all the workouts. I try to get as much advice as I can from my coaches, because they’re the ones teaching me the techniques I need to get better.”
Patrick’s main goal is to break the 18-minute barrier in a race. Patrick is right on the cusp as he’s currently sporting a personal-best time of 18:10.
“That’s a goal for this season,” Patrick says. “I’d like to get something in the 17-minute range. I’m really close.”
Patrick loves running so much that he hopes to continue competing after he graduates from North Haven. Of course, Patrick still has two years of high school to go, and he welcomes anyone to come out and run for the Indians.
“I think this program in general has been excellent. I highly suggest anybody not running to try to join the team,” says Patrick. “It’s a great environment and we do a lot of good here.”