Parker Pape '23
Q: How long have you attended Woodward? How did you get started with cross country?
I came to Woodward at the beginning of the 2020 school year, just before COVID-19, as a sophomore. After transferring from a high school in Athens, Ga., Woodward welcomed me with open arms, and immediately enhanced my educational capabilities and encouraged my passion for success in academics and athletics.
I cultivated a love for running long before joining an official team. My Dad put me in my first race at four years old, and he has always been my number one supporter and role model. Being a seasoned marathoner himself, he taught me how to find my stride, practice good technique, and most importantly enjoy the sport. After competing in several 5K’s and triathlons, I joined my middle school’s cross country team in seventh grade. I was met with greater challenges as running became a full-time commitment, but I had the camaraderie of my teammates that was a vital aspect of my motivation. I have run varsity cross country all four years of high school and continue to build upon what running means to me.
Q: What have been some personal highlights as a member of the cross country team?
During my junior year, I embraced cross country in a way I never had before and achieved one of my greatest accomplishments. Focused on improving my time, I set a new personal record in all nine consecutive meets of the XC season. Cutting down my PR by more than two minutes, I learned the value of hard work and the impact of consistency. I could not have done it without the support of my coaches who offer reassurance to break barriers and be brave in living life with no boundaries.
I won the Most Improved Player Award junior year. More than any physical possessions or times that I achieved, I reflected the same dedication that I had in running to many aspects of my life, striving for success no matter what obstacles came my way.
Q: What do you enjoy most about being a War Eagle?
The community that Woodward has to offer is unparalleled. The great minds that compose the student body and faculty always bring a new optimism and perspective. In academics or athletics, I feel welcomed by Woodward and inspired by the history of achievements that distinguish it. I am fortunate to experience the synergy that the campus has to offer and honored to represent WA on the track or in the classroom.
Q: What are your academic and cocurricular interests other than cross country?
Outside of XC, I have a long history with singing. I started at four years old in the Atlanta Boy Choir, and today I’m a member of the Woodward Academy Festival Singers, Camerata, and WAcapella groups. I have been singing for nearly 15 years and have been fortunate to perform in Poland, the Czech Republic, Hawaii, Los Angeles, and Carnegie Hall. Last summer I traveled to Spain and France with the Woodward choral trip. Venturing into individual competitions, musical theatre, and films as well, I have been enthralled by the experiences that I have been able to pursue through this unique form of art. I find enjoyment and purpose by finding my place in a choir and carrying out a composer’s vision for an audience.
I’m also an Eagle Scout and have spent hours dedicated to conservation, emergency preparedness, and community service. For my Eagle Project, I organized a blood drive at my local church with the Red Cross and collected around 3.5 liters from more than 30 donors. I am a camp counselor for the YMCA, with lifeguard certification, and a private tutor for students struggling in Algebra. I am an avid backpacker, currently completing sections on the Appalachian Trail, and a drone pilot pursuing my commercial license.
Q: Who at Woodward inspires you? Why?
In my first two years of high school cross country, I was not making the times I wanted and started to believe that I never would. Coach Nicholas Widener became head coach, with a new type of coaching style that promoted camaraderie with excellence, and he made it his personal mission for everyone on the team to succeed. While other coaches would have sat back as they watched their star athletes perform, Coach Widener would always make sure to run alongside us, even racing us in our final laps to make sure that the embarrassment of our coach beating us would be our motivation for pushing beyond our limits.
Whether it was running one extra mile when we already felt depleted or designating Wednesday as yoga day, I learned how to push myself beyond what I thought I was capable of and explore running through a different perspective. At the end of the season, Coach pointed out our matching watch tans, the result of hours of running miles under the burning sun. That branding solidifies my identity as a runner and reminds me that I’ll run again.
Q: What are your plans for college and beyond?
I am applying to colleges now under the indicated major of physics. After taking AP Physics 1 my junior year, I fell in love with the course and started trying to answer other questions that I had in the subject with YouTube videos and other research. In college, I hope to participate in high-level interdisciplinary research and really get to explore the various fields more to hone my interest. I also intend to continue running and singing in college by joining recreational groups and clubs and getting involved in student life. I don’t know what the future holds for me, but no matter where I go, I am sure that I will fall back on my experiences at Woodward and aim for success.
Q: What will you miss most about WA?
I believe that what I will miss most about Woodward is the community. I really appreciate how the faculty promotes my learning and know that it will be rare to find elsewhere. I appreciate the welcoming environment that WA has offered me and will miss the traditions and smiles that I enjoy around campus every day. The student body is very energetic, and I will miss the jokes that I make with my friends. Although I am excited for college, I wish I did not have to leave this campus and will carry a part of WA with me wherever I go.
