With the addition of six athletes from the class of 2012, TOXC now can claim 16 alumni currently on college rosters.  Our alumni are a special group of young adults who are proud of their high school roots.  They often return for summer events like the beach run, the annual alumni run, and cheer on the team at meets whenever their schedules permit.  

In the first of a series of alumni profiles, I caught up with Sean Gildea from the TOHS class of 2009.  Thank you Sean for taking the time to answer my questions between a demanding summer internship and a more demanding summer training schedule.

- Scott

Q: How did you get started in running?

A: I never was really in a running program until 8th grade, where my best friend convinced me to run youth track and field.  I had always enjoyed running the mile in PE up to that point, so I figured I would enjoy the long distance running.  I enjoyed it, so I continued it into high school.

Q: What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

A: My junior year in high school, our team was 16th out of 16 teams (last) at the meet [CIF Finals] to qualify for the state championships.  The next year, we returned all but one of our top 7 guys, and we ended up ranked 16th in the state.  That year, we were bonded as a team and surprised everyone by winning the state qualifying meet [CIF Finals], getting 2nd at the State meet (4th overall), and qualifying for the Nike Nationals meet as a team.  

Q: What has running taught you that helped you outside of running?

A: Time management.  For me, the transition from high school to college was difficult because I had trouble managing my time.  As I have been more dedicated with my running, I have learned to manage my time around it.  I used this with school, and I have a lot more free time to do homework, study, and take naps!

Q: What are your goals of your upcoming college season?

A: My first goal is to be a role model for people on (and off) my team to look up to.  My second goal is to improve upon our 5th place team finish and my 14th place individual finish at division 2 nationals.  I would be very happy with a top 2 team finish and a top 5 individual finish!

Sean Gildea

TOHS Class of 2009

College: Colorado School of Mines.  Sean will be a senior this Fall

High School:  15:17 5k (Woodward Park), 15:13 3 mile (Mt. Sac), 9:21 3200 (track), Two time Marmonte League champion, etc.....

College:  31:32 10k (29:37 on the track), 23:54 8k, 14:17 5k, Two time NCAA DII All-American