Harper Barlow '23 Recruiting Profile

Hello!  My love for running began at the age of 5, when I entered my first 5K and continued as I began participating in the Hershey Track meets during elementary school. I began my school running career by joining the Middle School Cross Country team in 6th grade. Running became my passion during my freshman year (2019), when I was selected to compete at regionals helping our team earn a spot in the State Cross Country meet.  Along with my team, we earned the honor of academic state champions with a 4.0 team GPA and a team placement of 7th. From that point forward, I made it my goal to push myself harder with the start of each season.  It is my goal to improve with each race/meet and each season.  During my sophomore cross country season (2020), I was able to cut over 3 mins and 60+ places off from my finish at State the previous year.   At the 2020 State Cross Country meet, I finished 24th, coming in second on my 6th place team.  After missing my freshman track season due to COVID lockdown, I  rediscovered my love for the 800m race during this past track season (2021). My 4x800m team was able to earn a spot at the State Track meet, where we were awarded State Academic Champions and received 8th place. 

I continue to try and improve my ability through strength training. This past summer, I completed a dedicated strength and conditioning program, earning Star of Year, and trained to earn a spot on the Varsity Swim team for this upcoming season.  I am excited to begin swimming and to gain additional endurance and strength in the running off-season.  I strive each and every day to become a better runner than I was the day before.