St. Anthony's Farmer sprints from soccer to track

The climb up the ladder of success is usually gradual and often times arduous.

That hasn't been the case for St. Anthony's sprinter Patrick Farmer. The path to stardom for Farmer has been anything but routine.

Two months ago, the senior, a four-year soccer player at St. Anthony's, was in the process of deciding which Division I soccer program to commit to.

Farmer's outlook on his future changed drastically after he set Suffolk County indoor track records in the 300 and 400 meters at the Armory last month.

Track came to the forefront of his athletic life, as soccer became a part of his past.

"It's been the quickest two months of my life," said Farmer, who celebrated his 18th birthday Friday. "I never pictured this."

Farmer became the talk of the Long Island track community after setting the mark in the 400 in 48.2 seconds at the Hispanic Games on Jan. 10.

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Things really heated up for him after a record-setting performance in the 300 in 34.22 at the Stanner Games a week later.

It was just the third invitational in Farmer's short career.

Farmer said the performances were totally unexpected.

"I had no idea there was a chance of me winning that race," Farmer said. "At that point, I didn't even know what was a good or bad time. I just didn't want to come in last."

After setting the mark in the 300, choosing a future in track over soccer was a no-brainer.

Georgetown, Villanova, Arizona State, Virginia and Tennessee have all shown interest in Farmer.

"I didn't have my pick in soccer like I do in track," he said.

Farmer's initial decision to join the Friars' track squad wasn't based on any profound thinking.

"I didn't actually join for it to become serious. It was mainly to stay in shape," Farmer said. "Me and my soccer friends had decided we wanted to try and make a soccer relay. But I was the only one who actually stuck with the idea."

Farmer toyed with the idea of running track his sophomore year.

But that was before St. Anthony's Student Center, which has an indoor track, was constructed. The prospect of training outside didn't appeal to Farmer and his friends.

"My friends and I thought about it, but they were running outside in the mud and the rain," Farmer said. "We didn't want to do that."

So why the sudden change in course on his future after what was nearly a lifelong attachment to soccer?

Farmer felt he reached his peak on the soccer field.

"I think I can be a lot more successful in track. I already know where I can go in soccer. I know it's going to end after college," he said. "I have no idea what my limit is in track because I've never trained before."

St. Anthony's coach Tim Dearie called it "an amazing story."

"In practice, he looked fast," Dearie explained. "At our development meet [Dec. 12], he ran a 36.09 in the 300. I thought I made a mistake timing him."

Dearie learned it wasn't a mistake a few weeks later as Farmer ran a 400 split in 48.3 as part of the Friars' distance medley relay team.

"It's impressive the way he has been able to keep his head together," Dearie said.

Farmer attributed his smooth transition to his calm demeanor.

"There is some stress that comes with it, but not enough to affect me," Farmer said. "I don't get nervous at all."

He sure makes it sound easy.