Robert "Parker" Straight '19 Recruiting Profile

I hope that running track in college will enhance my academic experience and vice versa. The shared suffering in workouts and races has built  strong bonds and friendships that I have valued through high school.  I hope to do the same with a new group of boys in college.  I will continue to bring my dedication and leadership skills to both my college and its cross country and track team. I may not always be the fastest on my high school team and may not be fastest on my college team, but my character and optimism does, and will continue to, help those who are slower and faster than me to come together and value the team as I do.

My high school team is very big, with about 100 athletes and only two coaches to watch over us and give workouts, so this year, I have adopted the much-needed role of captain.  This role has helped me become a leader on my team and in the classroom. It has led to me being more comfortable around and understanding of my peers, which has led to increased participation in class and leading class discussions.

I care about every one of my teammates and have given them tips and watched them grow. The progression of all of them and myself, off of a lot of moderate, often improvised, training, is impressive and motivates me to continue to be friendly with the team.  I help lead workouts that will be best, not only for my own, but for my team's consistent improvement.