Owen Fitzpatrick '23 Recruiting Profile

My mom was in the middle of treatment for Stage 4 metastatic colon cancer when quarantine quieted the world and the presence of her cancer rang loudly in my ears. I felt powerless, so I started running every day before my zoom classes. At first, I was running "from" - running from the pain, pressure, and fear of the unknown. Gradually, my focus shifted and I began running "to" - running toward myself and my own future. While only a freshman, I started a company to share what I learned. Based on the idea that anything is easier when you have the courage to run up and face it, Running UP! is a 5k training program for kids. I carried my mom's fight in my heart as I taught over 60 kids ages 7-14 how to run a 5k in both the summer of 2020 and 2021, with the goal to empower them, one step at a time. I used videos I solicited from fitness professionals to create discussion and inspire a love of running.

I taught inclusion for the slowest runner by creating a pattern so we all ran together regardless of speed or ability. I taught equity to remove gender stereotypes and fostered diversity among my multiracial participants. Redirected behavior and any unwelcome comments became teaching moments. I knew that I was changing lives through my company, and equally, I could feel that my company was changing me. Giving of oneself breeds character, respect, discipline, resilience, and perseverance. Without question, the time of greatest gain in my life, in terms of wisdom and inner strength, was when I faced the greatest difficulty: the possibility of losing my mom. Rather than turn inward, I looked to inspire and empower other kids. I earned five times what I projected and am proudly driving my own car now. 

As news of my company spread, I was sought out by parents and honored to earn positions in 2021 as a running coach for a visually impaired middle school boy and became a nanny to a boy with autism. I learned patience, communication skills, self-awareness, and leadership. Both boys truly taught me more about myself than I ever taught them. 

Before I started Running UP!, I enjoyed moderate success on an undefeated XC team. I was one of the top ten runners selected to run during our covid season, but distance wasn't for me. I could always out-sprint the guy next to me in the end, but pacing was my challenge. I used this past 2021 XC season to strength-train, add speed, and power under the daily instruction of my XC Coach. I set a goal and gained nearly 20 lbs of muscle while retaining my lean physique. I have unusually long legs with a 35 inch inseam. I started my track career as a sprinter earning a spot at the middle school regional State Championships. After all of the running during quarantine and through my company, I built my strength and endurance. My sophomore year Varsity Track coach recommended I try hurdles.

I love hurdles because its the closest I feel to flying. I have no fear of falling because fear has no place in my life. My mom's cancer battle taught me that. Race day exhilarates me.  I shave time with every race.  In 2021, I won the Massachusetts (MIAA) Sportsmanship Essay Award on diversity, equity and inclusion and was a finalist in 2022 for my essay on Title IX. I'm coachable and fun to be around. As I enter my senior year, I am the team's "Track Dad."

I possess raw talent, a sharp mind, and a strong work ethic. Athletics are in my blood as the grandson of a nationally-ranked adaptive skier and an MLB pitcher. I am the son of a Division 1 quarterback and Division 1 XC runner/fighter/survivor who is nearly two years.

I'm often called a Renaissance man. I laugh, but I believe it's true. I'm a published author, national award-winning writer and poet, state-recognized artist, modern pianist, broadway show blogger, and yes, a committed, coachable athlete. My most recent sculpture of a 7 foot tall runner made from wire coat hangers was featured in the 125th Boston Marathon's Art on the Trail. Runners are all "wired" the same. For my science fair project, I engineered a sneaker insert that made sprinters faster in clinical trials. With my drive and confidence, I've sought out speaking, writing, and visual art opportunities that have helped shape my identity and my future as a contributor to the global community. I enjoy working collaboratively and being part of a team. I am a storyteller at heart and have two novels I'm writing currently in progress. I plan to pursue Art History  in college. I love learning, which is one of the reasons I want to be a professor. I will also submit a supplemental art portfolio with my college application. I am a scholar-athlete. 

Thank you for your consideration,

Owen Caton Fitzpatrick