By George Roussev
West Hills Press
West Hills MS
1st Place
Division MS, News Writing
Sports Feature Story
He runs and runs and is the first to cross the finish line. Not something too unusual. He has won many Cross Country meets in the past. But this one is different.
This time he has broken a West Hills Cross Country course record.
On October 12, 2017, during a meet against Derby Middle School, Parker Young, 8th grade, set a new Cross Country course record with the time of 11 minutes and 48 seconds for the two mile course. Parker’s time broke the course record set by Seiji Hoshino in the fall of 2014, but at that time the course was only 1.8 miles. The course now is 2 miles. Hoshino’s record had stood for three years.
After setting a record, Cross Country Coach Mrs. Haines exclaimed, “It was a unique year to have Parker Young break the course record at WHMS!”
Parker not only broke the West Hills course record this year, but he broke the Bloomfield HIlls Middle School’s course record also, with a time of 10:58. His time on the BHMS course was 50 seconds faster, due to their course being a flat course and West Hills course is very hilly.
“I feel proud of myself for beating the record and that people look up to me,” said Parker. “It motivates me become a better athlete.”
Parker has some tips for runners. “People give up because they get cramps, but if you pump your arms more and take deeper breaths then you will get rid of your cramps much quicker and easier. Always think of the positive things that could happen and to improve your time and distance every time you run.”
Parker has set high goals for himself. “My main goal for the future is to make it to the Olympics.”
There is an anonymous quote that has become Parker’s motto: “Work so hard your signature becomes an autograph.”
Someday his may be.