Sean Dooley's journey with Delbarton's cross country team began with a simple goal: to make friends before starting high school. Although he had some experience with youth running, Sean entered Delbarton with limited expectations about the sport. "I didn't always take the sport super seriously," he admits, "but I always enjoyed it, which led me to continue running year-round." Delbarton School itself was a natural choice for Sean, given that his older brother Matt graduated in 2023. The school's strong academics, spirited student body, and supportive community appealed to him, though he hadn't anticipated the transformative role athletics would play in his life.
Initially, Sean felt overwhelmed by the high level of competition at Delbarton. Seeing his teammates excel and his coaches' dedication made him question whether he could ever reach that standard. Fortunately, the unwavering support from his coaches and within the team helped him find his footing. Over time, he grew from a novice into a dedicated competitor, achieving milestones he couldn't have imagined as a freshman.
Sean's journey has been marked by a steady progression. His focus has always been on improvement—year by year, race by race. In his junior year, he aimed to score important points at county meets, but as a senior, he set his sights on competing at the state level. His training has evolved alongside his ambitions. "I usually run 50-55 miles a week in-season, but during peak weeks this summer, I hit around 60 miles," he explains. Hi routine includes double sessions, intense workouts, and long runs of up to 13 miles. Balancing such a demanding schedule requires discipline, but Sean always ensures to take a full rest day each week to recover.
Motivation on tough days often comes from those around him. "I'm incredibly lucky to train alongside such supportive friends," Sean shares. Teammates like John Cuzzocrea, Jr., Joseph Sheaffer, and Zachary Gordon provide encouragement and even pace him through challenging workouts. This camaraderie, combined with his passion for self-improvement, has kept him focused and driven.
This season, Sean's goals were simple but significant: to remain healthy and perform well at the state meets. His history of injuries had taught him that success would depend on maintaining his health. He avoids setting specific time goals, believing that he performs best when he focuses on giving his all in each race, free from expectations.
Preparation for meet days is a meticulous process for Sean. Easy runs leading up to a race to ensure his body is ready, while mentally, he relies on visualization and prayer. His routine requires eating a Chipotle burrito bowl, a ritual he swears by. Sean's first high school meet at the Roxbury Invitational in 2021 holds special meaning. While he didn't perform as well as he'd hoped, it fueled his passion for cross country. Today, his favorite part of race day is the final 200 meters. "I've always had a strong kick, and knowing the race is almost over gives me an adrenaline rush," he says, using every ounce of energy in those final strides.
Representing Delbarton has been a privilege for Sean. He takes pride in competing for a school with a tradition of athletic excellence and finds inspiration in the achievements of his classmates. Over the years, his teammates have become some of his closest friends, providing support and celebrating both wins and losses together. "Running with such a motivated group of guys has been a joy," says Dooley.
The community surrounding cross country is what Sean cherishes most. The friendships he's formed extend beyond Delbarton, including competitors from other teams as well. It's this camaraderie that makes the sport special to him. On race days, a simple but meaningful ritual helps him find his focus—a Chipotle meal and a moment of prayer.
Balancing the demands of running, schoolwork, and life hasn't been easy, but Sean has learned to manage it through careful planning and a commitment to rest. Looking ahead, he is excited about the Non-Public A State meet and hopes to qualify for the Meet of Champions. Beyond high school, he plans to keep running, whether in college or through marathons. To aspiring Delbarton cross country athletes, his advice is simple: "Find a way to enjoy the sport. Motivation is powerful, but to truly be successful, you need to love what you're doing every day."
