Jack Hennessy ’10 Reflects On His BC Career
After graduating from Staples as a multi-sport, multi-state and FCIAC champion — in soccer, indoor track and baseball — Jack Hennessy took his talents to Boston College. He ran track (quite successfully), and was a 2-year captain (quite rare).
Recently, Conte Confidential — an “unofficial BC sports blog” — sat down for an interview with Jack. He will graduate soon, and head to his beloved Chicago to work for Digitas, a digital marketing firm.
Here is the story:
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Senior sprinter Jack Hennessy, who kicked off his Boston College track career four years ago with the ninth fastest indoor 400-meter time in program history, ended up in the BC record books once again this past weekend. The 4×400 relay team of Hennessy, Connor O’Neill, Burke Ashenden and Darren James set a new BC record at the IC4A meet with a time of 3:13.67. A modest athlete, always willing to deflect the attention towards his teammates, Hennessy spoke with Conte Confidential about his eventful weekend and his last few months as a sprinter at BC.
1) Last weekend’s IC4A Track and Field Championships saw you and your teammates log the best two times in the 4×400 relay in BC history [in the finals, they posted a time of 3:14.45 a day after breaking the record]. What was it like to be able to accomplish that?
It was incredible. Connor and I were thrilled to end our indoor careers with this type of accomplishment.
2) What was going through your head as the race was taking place? Were you aware that you could possibly have BC’s fastest 4×400 time?
We knew if we all ran a clean race we would get the record based on previous splits, but anything can happen during a relay. Luckily, the race was clean, and coach made sure we peaked at exactly the right moment in our season.
3) On top of the record times, you and your team qualified for your first ever IC4A final [where they came in sixth place after a tight race]. What are your thoughts on finally breaking through to the finals?
As a team, we struggled at the ACC championships the week before so scoring at IC4A was crucial in proving to this team that we can compete with anyone. The record means nothing unless this team can rally around the accomplishment and feed off that energy leading into outdoor.
Jack Hennessy tears up the BC track.
4) A relay is definitely a big team effort so what do you think the three other runners on your team brought to the table this season?
Connor is the epitome of consistency. While others are injured or struggling, we can always count on Connor to run fast, and this year especially has been a breakout year for him. He has the fourth fastest indoor individual 400 in BC history (49.1). Burke is mainly a 100/200 runner who we borrow for the start of our 4×4. He has the fourth fastest 200 in BC history at about 22.2. He gets out of the blocks as well as anyone and always puts our relay team in a position to be competitive. Darren is an incredibly talented freshman who is already making a huge impact on our team. He has a long career ahead of him. I’m disappointed I only get to run with him for one year.
5) I heard that you recently came back from an injury this season. What type of injury was it and what challenges did you face in coming back from it?
I partially tore my left hamstring at Dartmouth Jan. 12. It was a grade II strain and it meant I couldn’t run for four weeks. It was difficult because I could only swim and lift to keep in shape before returning for the BU Valentine meet.
6) These two accomplishments came in your last indoor meet at BC. With just the spring season to go, what are your thoughts on your four years as a runner at BC?
It has been a great ride, but we still have a lot we want to accomplish this last outdoor season. It’s hard to look back and reflect while we still have goals to look forward to. We want to break the outdoor 4×4 record, which is a blistering 3.11.9. If we can run in that range, we might have an outside shot at NCAA regionals. Also, as a team, we are aiming for the New England championship title.
7) Who on the relay team has impressed you the most this season?
The relay as a whole impresses me every time it steps on the track. As for which runner has stood out, it would be impossible to pick just one. See question four.
Jack Hennessy seemed to be everywhere for Staples. (Photo/Carl McNair)
8) What do you expect from your relay team for the outdoor track season?
First and foremost, I expect our group to train harder than our competitors. We can’t get complacent after the indoor record. And we would like to set the outdoor record, score at ACCs and win New England’s.
9) As a senior, do you know what your plans are after graduation? Do you see yourself continuing to run at a high level?
I’ll be working in Chicago. In terms of continuing racing, unlike Connor who will be entering open invitationals when he’s 80, I’ll be hanging up my spikes at the end of the season.
10) Other than your meet last weekend, what has been the most memorable moment so far this year?
My dad took me to the last game of the World Series. That was awesome.
11) If you had to describe your entire BC experience in one word, what would it be?
Epic.
(Interview by Ryan Silva)
Jack Hennessy, with one of his perfectly timed sliding tackles. (Photo/Carl McNair)
