Student spotlight: state runner John Partee

Emily Hernandez, Staff Writer

John Partee, a senior at Plainfield South, is a runner on South’s varsity cross country and track and field team who has qualified for state twice.
Partee competed at state sophomore year for the 4×800 and last year in the 4×800 and 800.
For Partee, an average week of training consists of running seventy to seventy-five miles for cross country and fifty-five to sixty for track season.
On top of the athletic commitments he makes, Partee takes a couple AP and honors classes.
“Balancing academics with sports is simply time management. Knowing how efficient you need to be in your schoolwork and practice schedule. Grades are first and it’s easier to feel motivated academically knowing you can’t let your team down,” Partee explains.
Steven Colantone, previous fellow teammate and senior, describes Partee’s mindset as phenomenal and always being positive, even about losing. Colantone commends him for the sportsmanship he shows at every meet.
Partee runs any event in track from the 400 meter to the 3,200 meter. However, he typically runs the 800 meter and holds a personal record of 1:53:23.
“I hope to send the 4×4 and 4×8 down state, as well as win conference as a team. [My] personal goal is to win state for the 800 and break 1:50:00,” Partee said.
Jason Crowe, Partee’s coach, is expecting 100 percent effort, dedication, and focus from him.
“When John does all of those things to the best of his ability he will be successful on and off the track,” Crowe said.
“Through his mentality and character, he’s guided the team through many victories and helped everyone on the team with his positive attitude and hard work,” said teammate and senior Jimmy Klebenow.
For his long term goals, Partee is most likely attending Lewis University next year where he will be majoring in exercise and movement science along with athletic training. He plans to continue his cross country and track career, as well.
“I might coach and do athletic training. [I’m] not sure yet,” Partee said.