Coming off a remarkable high school career, freshman Patrick Feeney is already trying to make his mark at Notre Dame.
Feeney, a native of Indianapolis, was a multi-sport athlete in high school. While attending New Palestine high school, he was an eight-time letter winner in track and field, football and basketball. Among the three sports, he was elected to six all-conference teams and was captain of each squad.
Feeney accumulated numerous school and conference records while in high school. He broke the school, conference and sectional records for the 400-meter dash with a time of 47.56. He also recorded a 3:18 in the 4x400 relay to break the school and conference record.
Despite being a good athlete, Feeney said he chose track by default simply because he did not have a sport to play in the spring season.
"I started running track in sixth grade mainly because I didn't have a spring sport and everyone was telling me I was fast," Feeney said.
He explained that coming to Notre Dame was always a dream of his and he knew if he had the credentials, his college choice would not be a question.
"I have always been a huge Notre Dame football fan and have come to games all my life," Feeney said. "Throughout high school I knew if I could get accepted then it definitely would be the place for me."
Feeney said that although running track is very challenging and time consuming, the camaraderie with the other players makes it fun and worth it.
"Running in college is a lot more serious, but at the same time still very fun," Feeney said. "We all have fun together at practice, but we still work really hard and get the work done."
Feeney said that while he does have individual goals for the rest of the season, he places a higher priority on contributing to the team's success.
"My goals for the season are to keep lowering my times each and every meet and also help the team score some points at Big East," Feeney said. "Our main goal for our team is to win Big East Indoor and Outdoor and also try to get everyone to qualify farther into regionals and nationals."
The Irish track and field team will next be in action at the Big East indoor championships on Feb. 19 in Akron, Ohio.
