Patricio Kearney breaks 36-year-old cross country records at Orsimba High School

The Newman-Crows Landing Unified School District held its monthly board meeting on December 16, 2024, where significant achievements in student athletics were highlighted. The meeting featured a special recognition for Patricio Kearney, a standout cross country runner at Orsimba High School, who recently broke long-standing school records in both the 3-mile and 5K events.

Coach Scott Felber, who has been with the school for 24 years, praised Kearney's dedication and hard work, noting that he has been coaching cross country for nearly 15 years. Kearney's new records of 15 minutes and 34 seconds for the 3-mile and 15 minutes and 48 seconds for the 5K were set this year, surpassing records that had been in place since 1987. Felber emphasized Kearney's commitment to the sport, detailing how he studied training methods, attended running camps, and maintained a rigorous training schedule of 70 miles per week.

The coach also highlighted Kearney's character, sharing anecdotes that illustrated his supportive nature as a teammate. He recounted an instance during track season where Kearney ran an additional event not for personal gain, but to help a teammate achieve a personal record. Felber concluded by stating that Kearney exemplifies the qualities that the school hopes to instill in all its student-athletes, demonstrating that hard work and dedication can lead to success.

The meeting underscored the importance of recognizing student achievements and fostering a culture of excellence within the district. The board expressed its pride in Kearney's accomplishments and the positive example he sets for his peers. As the meeting wrapped up, the focus remained on continuing to support student athletes and encouraging their growth both in sports and academics.