Sean arrived on the Distance Running scene in his eighth grade track season at Canyon Creek MS. He demonstrated solid levels of natural talent, racing focus and competitive intensity as he managed to crank out a 5:09 mile to establish a school record.

His first month of competition in high school XC was rather modest, but through steady improvement and notable peaking at the end of the season, Sean ran what was at the time our freshman record of 16:59 at the state meet as he was the 2nd freshman across the line in the 2A meet. The other freshman ahead of him was the eventual 2A State Meet record holder. Sean elevated his level of toughness during his freshman track season to an extraordinary level as he qualified for State in the 3200, a rare event for a freshman.

His sophomore year brought more success as he set our existing sophomore record of 16:07.1 at Fernhill Park. That location was very good to Sean as he established his exceptional junior record of 15:40 during the debut of our current "flaming orange" uniforms!

Two weeks later, Sean posted one of his two legendary Panther performances: a "come from behind" win inspired by our motivational John Colter story. He made up 15 meters in the last 200 meters as he buried his biggest nemesis capitalizing on pure guts and determination! His time of 15:43 was arguably a superior mark to his junior record considering the course as he gave himself the best birthday present he could conjure up. It is fair to say that Sean's toughness "takes the cake" when it comes to racing on his birthday.

After a disappointing State Meet his junior year where he failed to qualify for BoardClash, Sean had one thing on his mind his senior year - of course to qualify for BorderClash 14. That was proving to be a herculean task as only five runners would qualify in our 2A race and the talent that year, and may always be, unparalleled! With 200 meters to go, he was sitting in a scare 6th position, but with two runners almost within arm’s reach. He summoned up the same level of toughness uncovered on is "birthday run" the year before and found a way to overcome the pain to sneak into 4th place. The three guys ahead of him? Patrick Gibson (2A XC State Meet record holder and Footlocker finalist), his nemesis Poli Baltazar (2nd fastest 2A ever and also a Footlocker Finalist) and Conner Johnsen (set and still holds the 2A 3200 Meter State Meet record the next spring). It took an unprecedented amount of talent to keep him off the top of the podium. This was Sean's second legendary performance!

Sean wrapped up his senior year at WHS setting both the 1600 and 3200 school records and then went on to compete at Western Washington University where in the fall of 2013 he set their "true freshman" class record for 10,000 meters.

Best Memory

Qualifying and competing in BoarderClash senior year!

Words of Advice

It is important to be patient and not rush anything. Be patient and trust the process!

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