WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Brendan Delaney's cross-country running background was a serious boon for his pursuit of the the four-year Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) scholarship at Purdue University.
He said he was the only freshman in his class to receive a perfect score on his ROTC physical assessment.
"I was very thankful to have been a cross-country runner in high school because when I first signed up for ROTC, I knew there would be push-ups and sit-ups and running," he said. "I knew I needed improvements in both pushups and sit ups ... but I had been running since sixth grade, so I had seven years of experience."
The scholarship includes tuition, books, fees and a monthly stipend.
"I was definitely not a master of push-ups when I first arrived, but I recognized what I needed to do to be where I wanted to be and so every night and every morning I was practicing my push-ups," he said. "I'd wake up at 5 in the morning for physical exercise for ROTC and I'd wake up at maybe 4:50 and head down to the first floor, go outside and do push-ups."
Inspiration
Delaney, 18, said he has always wanted to join the ROTC program. He also had an interest in the medical field and now is merging the two careers into one.
He graduated from St. Mary Cathedral School in 2018.
Delaney, 18, said he is studying to be a physician's assistant.
"All throughout high school, I ran cross-country and I was very blessed because I was never injured once and I never became extremely ill in all of my years," he said.
After seeing a teammate injured with shin splints, Delaney's interest was peaked.
"We are obviously passionate as a team for cross-country and these kids, because of physical ailments cannot pursue their passion for running," Delaney said. "Think about that. Anything from running, neck pain to a broken bone - it really kind of distracts you and slows you down from pursuing your life."
He said that is why he wants to seek "work in the medical field. I wanted to help people with their physical ailments so they can pursue their jobs or sports and dreams."
Delaney said the VFW Post 1518 of Gaylord is a phenomenal organization and thanked the people at the post for supporting and encouraging him to pursue a military career
Delaney also thanked recruiting officer Lt. Iman Parirokh, U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman as well as Retired General Andrew Roberts for their support.
"(Roberts) asked me if I was going to apply for the scholarship and I said 'There's a scholarship for this?'" Delaney recalled. "I had no idea that there was this whole scholarship process and the chance for some financial assistance."
Delaney said Roberts was a significant contributor to the application process.
"It was stressful. It was harder than any of the college applications, so I was very thankful to have somebody with his expertise," he said. "From November to March, we would meet up at different places throughout town and he would just help me. He helped me fill it out and gave me some advice."
Looking ahead
Delaney has also been named on Purdue's dean's list and has received other academic honors last semester. He is now in his second semester of his freshmen year.
He said the university's program is intense and requires dedication but he is enjoying it and he enjoys his classes.
"One thing I like about the Navy is you can choose (from) the three divisions which are aviation - so flying as a pilot, surface warfare - to the ships and submarine warfare," he explained. "As of this point, I'm leaning toward surface warfare."
After graduating from Purdue, Delaney would serve for five years in active duty, followed by three years in the Navy Reserve.