Park Hitting High Marks Early For Track Team

Harrison’s Tommy Park is sometimes overshadowed by the bigger personalities on the track and field team, but early in the spring season the five-year varsity athlete is putting together a banner year for a squad already loaded with talent.

Park, a senior, entered the season knowing that more was going to be expected of him during meets and as a mentor for younger members of the team. He has jumped at the chance and looks comfortable in both roles.

“It feels good because I feel like I am a role model to younger kids and I give them someone to look up too,” Park said. “I show leadership by telling them what to do, I make sure they are doing things right and I help them out during meets and practices.”

Early in this season Park is also leading by example. Last week Park finished with very strong showings in his team’s two events. On April 11 Park pole vaulted 12 feet, which had been a huge barrier for the senior to break through. Then, in front of the home crowd at the , Park jumped a stellar 20-5 in the long jump for a second place finish.

“I think it’s great.” Park said of competing in the Fulton Invitational. “It gives athletes a chance to go against other competitors who are in the same division. All the events are close and it offers great competition.”

Park, who also competes in winter track and field has competed in other events in the past such as the 400-meter dash, but this year is focusing on the long jump and pole vault. He has more experience in the long jump, but considers the pole vault his favorite event.

With the track and field season still young Park has already gauged his team’s success, and is feeling good about the track team as the year progresses.

“I think we are right at where we should be because we are doing pretty good right now,” Park said. “I just want to do my best and break my personal records.”

Over his career Park has certainly made his mark on the Harrison program. The coaching staff said this week they are lucky to have had a multi-talented athlete with the program for five years.

“He is versatile,” said Harrison Head Coach Dominic Zanot. “He has been a little overshadowed this year, but he rose to the occasion for us the last two days.”

Next year Park will attend Arizona State where he hopes to walk on to the school’s track and field team.

Best of luck and continued success to Tommy Park, Harrison Patch’s athlete of the week.