Pat O'Brien

A native Astorian, O’Brien grew up watching the Fishermen. His mom was active in recreational leagues through the Parks and Recreation Department, so it was a natural fit for Pat to follow those footsteps. Pat began participating in athletics at a young age and gradually excelled into the exceptional athlete that he became.

Earning ten varsity letters during his athletic career at Astoria, Pat earned many honors during his three sport seasons. On the gridiron, O’Brien led the fishermen for three seasons at quarterback and defensive back, taking the gridders to their first playoff birth (Kansas Plan) in several years. He took the hits and was not afraid to give a hit when the opportunity arose. As a result of the teams’ success, Pat earned the Coach’s Award for overall positive contribution to his team and was named team MVP by his teammates.. He was also named Cowapa League First Team Defensive Back (1989 and 1990) and First Team Quarterback (1990). At the state level, O’Brien was named to the First Team Defense and Third Team Quarterback his senior season. He went on to play in the East West Shrine Football Game after graduation.

Basketball season followed with similar success for O’Brien. Leading the fishermen for three seasons, Astoria won 3 league titles and earned state playoff births each season during his reign. He was not afraid to shoot the three pointers and played tenacious defense. He was voted MVP by his teammates his senior year and earned Cowapa Player of the Year honors his junior and senior year. Pat also was recognized on the state second team during that same time period and was selected to play in the North South All Star Game.

Spring brought the baseball diamond for O’Brien. After several years out of playoff contention for the fishermen, they finally made state playoffs during the 1990 season. Playing the hot corner (third base), O’Brien excelled defensively. During his senior year, Pat hit over .500 and added 7 home runs to his accomplishments. A 4-year letter award winner, Pat was voted MVP by his teammates his senior year. He was also named to the Cowapa League’s First Team in 1990 and 1991 and received All-State Second Team honors in 1991.

Aside from his time as an athlete, Pat enjoyed working with mentally handicapped students in the Life Skills classroom at Astoria High School. He developed a great deal of patience and compassion as the result of these experiences.

After high school, O’Brien entered Pacific Lutheran University and played one season of baseball. At the time of his induction into the Astoria High School Athletic Hall of Fame, Pat resides in Astoria with his wife, Vicki, son Cade and daughter Hailey. He enjoys hunting and coaching his son’s teams. He is the warehouse manager at Van Dusen Beverages.