Oswego East Student-Athlete of the Week-Phillip Dart

Senior Phillip Dart is a prime example of how positive coaches can help encourage young athletes to reach incredible heights. From Head Coach Michael Linden at Bednarcik Junior High to Oswego East cross country and track and field Head Coach Jim Milner, Phillip gives credit to the coaches who have helped mold him into the athlete he is today. However, those coaches credit Phillip’s dedication to his craft and determination to improve as to what makes him so special, which is why he is this week’s Oswego East student-athlete of the week.

Phillip tried his hand at baseball at a young age, as well as other sports, but nothing seemed to stick. In 6th grade, while attending Bednarcik Junior High, Head Cross Country Coach Michael Linden encouraged him to come out for the team. “I looked up to him as a coach and mentor,” says Phillip. In 8th grade, he joined the track and field team and enjoyed the challenge of mid-distance running.

As was the case with all seniors, the spring season of his freshman year was canceled due to the pandemic, and his sophomore season was a modified shortened version of a full season. Fortunately, Phillip stuck with the sport and grew not only as a runner but as a person as well. “Being a distance runner for OE has exposed Phillip to excellent coaches (Jim Milner and Derrick Padovich) who have mentored him to success in cross country and track,” says Rhonda and Scott Dart, Phillip’s parents. They go on to say, “He has also had incredibly talented teammates over the years who have challenged him to be his best.”

Mid-distance and distance running has been a staple of the boy’s track and field team, so just getting to run in varsity meets is an accomplishment in itself. “The team is incredibly deep so it does take a lot to crack the lineup,” says Head Coach Jim Milner. Phillip’s determination saw him become a member of the 4x800 relay team, which recently set a new indoor record, a number that has stood for the past 10 years. “Phillip continues to work hard and improve daily, and with continued hard work and improvement he will continue to be in a position to be in the postseason lineup,” says Jim.

Phillip is hoping the relay team continues to break records and culminates with a bid to the state meet. Not only is Phillip training for the spring season, but he is also planning to run at college while attending the University of Wisconsin-Plattville.

In the classroom is where Phillip truly shines, earning a 4.2 G.P.A. and enrolling in rigorous courses such as AP Calculus AB, AP Physics C, and Honors Engineering and Design. Phillip will combine his passion for the outdoors with his high acumen in both science and math by majoring in civil environmental engineering. “I have always enjoyed golf courses and running on paths outside and have always been interested in how they are designed to be so aesthetically pleasing,” says Phillip.

Phillip’s interest in how things work has seemingly always been around, as Rhonda and Scott say, “Phillip has always loved to build and design things from an early age.” They go on to say, “The engineering classes at OE have inspired and instilled confidence in his abilities to pursue a career in civil engineering, and he has always been interested in bridges and the movement of water.”

Matt Guerrieri, Phillip’s Engineering and Design teacher, believes Phillip has the necessary makeup to shine in the field, saying, “Philip is incredibly hardworking and patient. His strong intellect and persistence are great foundations for his future success in the engineering world. His positive attitude will serve him well in his studies and personal life. By combining his intelligence and strong work ethic, Phillip will achieve great things.”

If the indoor season is any indication, Phillip and the 4x800 relay team are set to achieve great things for themselves, the team, and their school. Phillip prides himself on his hard work and determination, and advises future Wolves athletes to set themselves up for success by saying, “If you are planning on coming out for a team, make sure to enroll in the summer camps, and as a student-athlete make sure to sign up for the Excel Physical Education class.” Phillip will continue to excel both in the classroom and the track, and if he and his teammates continue to improve, they will position themselves to leave their mark at the state meet this June as well.