Whittier College

Philip M. O’ Brien came to Whittier College from Riverside Polytechnic High School where he won two varsity letters in track and three in cross country

He was undefeated Cross Country Champion in Duel meets in 1956 and was the Citrus Belt League Mile Champion in 1957

At Whittier College, Phil was a three year Poet varsity letterman in both Cross Country and Track

All SCIAC Freshman Cross Country team, 1957

All SCIAC Varsity First Cross Country Team, 1958, 59, 60

All District NAIA Cross Country First Team member, 1959, 1960

Phil continued his interest in the sport by coaching Cross Country for the Poets from 1962 to 1966 and again from 1976 to 1984 

His coaching produced a number of athletes who hold Poet and SCIAC records

Dr. O’ Brien received his MSLS and PhD from University of Southern California and is currently librarian for Whittier College

Dr. O’ Brien is an authority on T.E Lawrence (of Arabia) and has published one book entitled “T.E Lawrence and Fine Printing”” and has written a second, “Bibliography of Books For and About T.E Lawrence