John O'Brien '72

St. Francis DeSales Athletic Hall of Fame
Class of 2025 -
Cross Country / Track

Career Records & Legacy:

  • Still holds the Central Catholic League (CCL) Meet record in the 1600 Meter Run – 4:21.60

    • This record will stand permanently, as the mile is no longer contested in the CCL Meet

  • Set school record in the 1600 Meter Run – 4:19.9 (1972)

  • Set school and CCL Meet record in the 800 Meter Run – 1:57.4 (1972)

1971-72 (Senior Year):

  • 1972 OHSAA Class AA One Mile State Champion

    • Set Class AA State Meet record – 4:21.3 (stood for three years)

  • 1972 Central District Champion in the Mile

  • 1972 CCL Champion in both the Mile and the 880

  • 1971 Central District Class AA Cross Country Champion – 10:22.9

    • Led DeSales to a District Runner-Up finish in Cross Country

    • Finished 43rd at the 1971 OHSAA Cross Country State Meet

1970-71 (Junior Year):

  • 3rd place in the Mile at the 1971 OHSAA Class AA State Track & Field Championships

    • Helped DeSales finish 3rd as a team at the State Meet

  • Central District Runner-Up in the Mile

  • Set CCL Meet record in the Mile – 4:21.60

  • Indoor Central District 1600 Meter Champion – 4:40.4