It feels just like yesterday for Derek Wojcik, when he was a freshman at O’Dea High School and went out on the course for his first cross country practice. Wojcik is now a senior at O’Dea High School who has run cross country every fall for the Irish. Since arriving on campus, Wojcik has grown from the new freshman on the team who didn’t know anyone to a team leader who his teammates listen to. While Wojcik took a path to help him grow as a runner and person, it wasn’t a smooth ride to get there.
Wojcik grew up and lives in Poulsbo, which is over an hour-long commute to O’Dea. Wojick had many tiring days as he would start his mornings before 5. Wojcik made sure he could manage his long commute with also his extra curriculars and schoolwork. While it was hard, Wojick knew it was worth it. He does admit though that he wouldn’t have been able to do it all by himself.
“I wouldn’t be able to manage anything without the help, especially from my mom. Without her I wouldn’t be able to do all the O’Dea related things I do since she was the one who introduced me to O’Dea and helps me whenever I need it.”
Wojcik has gone through some hardships since starting his journey at O’Dea, but now realizes that it has helped him grow as a person. He has embraced the O’Dea brotherhood since walking into that front door on Terry Ave in 2021. Joining clubs and playing sports has helped Wojick create new friendships and improve in certain aspects of life.
“I feel like I’ve changed and grown as a person by realizing that being myself is more important than worrying about what others think of me. In realizing this I have become a leader, too, since I became a more outgoing person and an extrovert which led to more maturity and people listening to me. Taking the opportunities provided by O’Dea has changed me as a person because putting myself in uncomfortable positions has made me comfortable.”
Wojcik has learned to push himself in all areas, not just sports. The O’Dea brotherhood means a lot to Wojcik and has helped shape him into the person he is now. It is one of the main reasons he decided to attend O’Dea and why he’s loved his time at the school. Wojcik knows he can trust and believe in his brothers.
“Being around a group of guys who would do the same things for you that you would do for them and also having guys that want the best for you, shape you into a better person.”
A lot of those guys who Wojcik trusts and considers brothers are on the cross-country team with him. Wojick loves cross country because of the relationships, but also has enjoyed both the mental and physical aspects of the sport. He and his brothers have pushed each other physically beyond what they thought was capable, but everyone who has run long distances knows the mental part is just as important. Without his teammates he would never have become as tough, whether that is mentally or physically. Cross country has meant everything to Wojick as he has made lifelong friends and learned many valuable lessons.
“O’Dea cross country isn’t just a way to grow as a runner but also as a person. Dealing with hardships on the course or at practice not only builds bonds with the team physically but also mentally.”
Wojcik looks to finish his last cross country season strong as he has recorded personal records (PR) for both 2 miles and 5000 meters this year. For 2 miles his PR is 12:41 minutes, which is 7th best on the team and his 5000 meters PR is 18:57 minutes, which is 11th best on the team.
After Wojcik finishes his cross country season and career, he plans to graduate O’Dea in May of 2025. He will then attend college as he is currently choosing between Gonzaga, Washington State, and St. Martins.
Wojick is leaving O’Dea a better and different person. The ride was not smooth, but the good times always outweighed the bad for Wojick. It was all worth it to him and he would not change a thing. While Wojcik is sad high school is ending, he is also ready to start this new chapter in his life.
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