Joseph Ozgar '19 Recruiting Profile

I have played many sports throughout my life, including football and soccer. I also played baseball and basketball for my high school. However, I only started running in 8th grade, joining the team to stay in shape. In my very first race, an invitational at Kutztown University, I took 2nd place out of 112 runners. That was the moment I realized that I had found my sport.

This past spring, I had a very successful track and field season. I was the team captain, and I had big PR’s of 9:36 and 4:28 in the 3200 and 1600, respectively. For this upcoming cross country season, my goals are to break 15:40 for a 5k, win the league and district meet, and medal at states.

I am just as competitive with my grades as I am in any sport I have ever played, currently ranked in the top 1% in my class. I work and study hard every day, which is difficult with my schedule, but I have learned how to manage my time each day to fit in school, practices, and studying. On top of all this, I also play the trumpet. I was selected as a class representative for my 300-member band the past three years, as well as vice president for this upcoming school year. I also play trumpet for my pep band at varsity games, and I am a member of the Key Club, the Scholastic Scrimmage team, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and National Honor Society. Outside of school, I tutor, play trumpet at church services, play in a recreational basketball league, and teach instructional basketball to elementary school students for my township's athletic department.

I am very thankful that I have a talent in running, but I will always recognize that my overall goal is to do what it takes to become a successful engineer and hopefully make a positive influence in my chosen career.