Kean O’Connor is a senior member of the track and field team. He competes in the 4×100, 4×200, and 4×400 relay teams and has the team’s best 400 meter split with a 52.4 second time. 

When and why did you start running track?

I started running track my Junior year. I played baseball my entire life leading up to that point but I just didn’t have the same love for the sport anymore; I thought I would be better off on the track team and I made the switch.

Do you have a favorite memory from a meet or a practice?

I have a lot of good memories but I don’t have a favorite.

Do you have a personal goal for the season or is there a team goal?

Obviously to go to state with some of the guys but more specifically I would want to go with the 4 x 400m relay team.  

Who’s a candidate to be a breakout star this year for the team?

Definitely Ryan Cekay. He’s coming off a high ankle sprain injury and he’s looking like a speed demon coming around those corners.

Any pre-meet rituals you have?

Fellow runner Eli Fietsam and I always have to use the bathroom directly before we run our 4 x 400.

Is there a big competitor on the team or someone who pushes you to go harder?

Tyler Trachsel, the kid is just an absolute unit on the track.

Do you have any nicknames and where’d they originate?

Red Oak. The red represents my gingeriness and my father goes by Oakie or Oaks. So you then have a Red Oak.

Who’s an athlete you’d look up to?

Coach Brumund-Smith. That guy was an animal on the hurdles back in the day.

What’s your favorite aspect of the sport?

Definitely the competition. You think you’re fast until you go to an invite and then you realize that there are tons of kids that are just as fast.

If you could be any animal what would it be and why?

A grizzly bear because they are big, fluffy, and eat honey.

Favorite thing to do during free time?

Surf the worldwide web.

Favorite spot to eat in the area?

My house, that’s a silly question.

If your house is burning and you can only take 3 things what would it be? (Family, phone, and pets are safe)

My Derek Jeter autograph, the panini press, and my lucky hat.