My name is Ruth Pardy. I am a class of 2024 cross country and track student at O’Gorman High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I have run 11:03, 5:05, and 2:16 in the 3200, 1600 and 800, respectively, this past year, and I have placed in the top 8 spots in the 800, 1600, and 3200 at South Dakota’s AA State Track Championships the past two years in a row. While running I maintain a weighted GPA of 4.38 taking all AP/Honors courses and am involved in numerous clubs at my school. I am working towards breaking 5 minutes in the 1600, running sub 2:14 in the 800, and sub 10:45 in the 3200 this upcoming track season of 2023. As my senior year approaches I am looking to place in the top three at AA state cross country and continue to better my times throughout the track season. I am excited to work hard towards achieving these goals and continue to have fun racing throughout these upcoming seasons. 

Growing up as a competitive swimmer I developed a strong work ethic. I always enjoyed pushing myself to grow as an athlete and because of this achieved multiple state titles in club swimming; I continued this success as a triathlete placing second two years in a row at the 2021 and 2022 Draft Legal Youth and Junior National Championships. After joining the highschool cross country and track teams as an eighth grader, I found enjoyment reaching for success as a runner and now strive to be a positive role model and leader for the team everyday. Outside of athletics I am a member of Students Against Destructive Decisions and Teens Against Tobacco Use, the treasurer for Health Occupation Students of America, and a participant in Knights for a cure, and Environmental Awareness Club. I maintain a challenging schedule of classes to expose myself to as many rigorous courses as I can during my high-school career. I have been blessed with many opportunities and I am grateful for my supportive coaches, teammates, and family. 

I am excited to achieve my future academic and athletic goals, and I hope to find the right place to pursue these. For more information, please email me at ruthpardy2024@gmail.com.