Student-athlete Barrett Bollen credits his time in Iraq as an active-duty Marine Reservist for his successes on the track and in the classroom

Eye on the prize

Somer Breeze-Hanson/Northwest Guardian

Being in the Marine Corps Reserves has helped Barrett Bollen’s athletic and academic career at Pacific Lutheran University. And running both cross country and track, studying full time and working a part time job on campus has made the college senior a better Marine.

If only there were more hours in a day.

“They conflict at times but they’ve helped me become a much more whole person,” Bollen said.

It’s Bollen’s life experiences as a Marine that fuel his can-do attitude. The adversity he faced in Iraq during his deployment in 2008 painted a bigger picture for the 23-year-old.

“I have friends who freak out about finals and I’m like, ‘You know what guys, in the grand scheme of things it’s not that big a deal,” he said. “I understand we work hard and want to do well but sometimes you just have to embrace failure.”

Even at a young age Bollen took on a leadership role for PLU’s cross country and track and field teams.

“Just seeing him as a freshman there was already charismatic energy coming from him,” said Heather Kreier, PLU track and field coach. “His ultra positive attitude led me to think he’s going to be a leader.”

Inspired by his father, a Vietnam combat veteran, Bollen enlisted in the Marine Reserves when he was 17, and has since been serving his monthly Reserve weekend drill duties at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. As his first semester at PLU came to a close he received notice his unit was being activated and deployed. While most college freshmen prepare to go home for the holidays, Bollen was preparing to ship out. Then 19, he wanted to give back to a country that gave him his freedoms.

“Being at PLU and being a student is a wonderful thing, but it’s also incredibly selfish,” Bollen said. “You have to be able to put aside the rest of the world to be able to pursue your dreams and goals.”

Bollen transitioned from college freshman to Cpl. Bollen and celebrated his 20th birthday in Iraq. Bollen’s collegiate training took a back seat while he joined his unit to conduct combat security missions.

Bollen returned to the states in November 2008 and wanted to use his free time before he began the new semester to get back in shape. To jump right back into the competitive mindset, he ran the Seattle Marathon.

“He was using it as a test for himself,” Kreier said. “He likes trying something new to test himself and he’s up for those challenges.”

Since Bollen transitioned back to college in January 2009, his life has been that of a busy student-athlete. But he credits his time in Iraq for his ability to manage things that appear chaotic.

“It’s definitely given me a lot more confidence and leadership,” Bollen said.

Bollen is a Northwest Conference champion in the 400-meter hurdles and the 1,600-meter relay. In the middle of his senior cross country season, he is preparing for the PLU Invitational Oct. 15.

Bollen continues to fulfill his Marine Reservist obligations as he works toward finishing his degree in history for graduation next spring. Soon after graduation his six-year contract with the Marines will expire. Bollen is taking his time to decide whether he wants to pursue a career in teaching or stay in the Marines.

Until then Bollen will continue with his schedule and fit in a nap any chance he can.