Annie Orr never thought she’d be a runner, never mind a collegiate track and cross country athlete. But the running career of the Park City High School senior and future Utah State University Aggie has only just begun.
"I started running as a freshman," said Orr. "My whole family has run cross country at Park City High School, so I just did it to get in shape for basketball, which was my main focus. I also did it because my older brother was doing it, even though I hated running."
Since her freshman year, running cross country and track has since changed Orr’s high school experience and has also affected her plans for the future.
"I started to actually enjoy running my junior year. Sophomore year is when I first started to run track in addition to cross country, which is something my coaches encouraged me to do," said Orr.
Once Orr found her rhythm, she decided to drop basketball to focus on running. She has since become one of Park City High School’s strongest female runners.
She recently completed a 3200-meter race in 11 minutes, four seconds, the sixth-fastest girls’ time in PCHS history.
Orr gives credit for her success to Park City High School’s head track and field and cross country coaches, Steve Cuttitta and Jeff Wyant.
"I love my coaches. They’ve been great. I remember going to both of them after track season last year and telling them that I wanted to drop a lot of time. They’ve both helped me a lot over the years. I owe them everything."
Competing in the 400-meter, 800-meter, one-mile and two-mile races for the track team and also running the standard 5K for cross country, Orr is now accustomed to intense training and a 24/7 commitment, something she hopes will help her in the future. As a new addition to Utah State University’s track and cross country teams for the upcoming school year, Orr is excited for what is yet to come.
"The campus is really what drew me in first, but I also really liked the coach. He didn’t focus entirely on running, but he also focused a lot on academics. The balance between athletics and academics was really important to me," said Orr.
The next four years as a Utah State Aggie are already looking promising.
"I’m excited to have a new training schedule and having different people to compare myself to. I’m also excited to start running different events. Hopefully I can find one that I can really focus on and specialize in for next year."
With the end of the high school track season rapidly approaching, Orr hopes to enjoy the remainder of the season as much as possible. As for the future, a fresh start with a promisng running career is in the cards for Annie Orr.
"For the future, I just want to run fast."
Get to know Annie
Favorite food: "All foods! Except almonds because I am almond intolerant."
Favorite class: "Does Parent Release count? Or TA? I like school because I get to go to practice at the end of the day. I also like Seminary. Seminary is my favorite class."
Favorite movie: "Aladdin" or "The Lion King" or "Tangled." Disney movies in general.
Favorite band: "Imagine Dragons. That’s not actually my favorite band but I couldn’t think of my favorite and Imagine Dragons is the only band I could think of."
Favorite sports team: "Park City cross country! But mostly just the girls’ team … I guess the boys’ team is OK, too."
Favorite sport (other than running): "Basketball! I used to play basketball."
Favorite sports moment: Nike Cross Regionals 2012.
Hobbies (other than running): Painting, drawing, jumping on the trampoline.
