Oscar Mills en route to a 49.54 400m to win the Pinnacle Pioneer Invitational. Arizona Milesplit Photo.
Oscar Mills has been selected as the boy's athlete of the week for dominating the 400m and 4x400m races at the Pinnacle Pioneer Invitational.
Normally getting cut would be a devastating experience. Not for Oscar Mills. After the baseball coach decided that he no longer needed the services of the then junior, Oscar joined the track team in order to stay active. Considering the plan is now to run in college it turned out to be one of the best things that could have happened to him. “When stuff gets going bad, it teaches you to keep on going and you will eventually get what your deserve." So far Oscar has worked very hard in track and been rewarded with a sub 49 quarter mile time (48.92).
Success is usually predicated on hard work, and Oscar is dedicated to success. Teammate Quinton Bankston supports that assertion, “Oscar works harder than anyone else I know. If it wasn't for him I can truly say I wouldn't be as fast as I am. I am truly thankful he is here." Not only does Oscar work hard but he believes that he can run fast. In just his first year running track he broke the 49 second barrier. An early season hamstring pull is the only reason he hasn't already equaled that time again this season. These type of performances put him in the conversation for best quarter miler in the state. Oscar doesn't worry about who is ranked high and who isn't. “They put their pants on one leg at a time," he expounded, “They are kids competing just like me."
So what would the fairy tale ending be for the second year harrier from Sandra Day O'Conner? “I guess a fairy tale ending would be winning state and beating my personal best. But really it already feels like a fairy tale. I found another sport that I love and it has been a great ride since." Oscar's drive to be better combined with the satisfaction of what he has already are traits far beyond what most 18 year olds possess. These attributes will take Oscar very far in life, and hopefully to a place high on the podium come May 9th.