"Meyers Saves Best for Last!"

Scott Meyers currently holds two distinctions in the storied history of Beavercreek High School’s distance running programs.  Meyers was runner-up at the Division I state cross country meet this past fall.  His performance ranks as the highest individual placing in school history at the state cross country meet (male or female).  However, Meyers has another interesting distinction.  “I’m the first and last kid to run junior high track as a 6th grader,” said the senior.  “Some of the coaches at a meet in Troy complained about me doing so well and I was only a 6th grader.  That was the end of it for me,” he said.       It may have been the end of that 6th grade season, but his performances have only been getting better.  Meyers began his running career competing for the South Dayton Flyers in the third grade.  Scott’s father, Joe, was a standout runner for Bellbrook High School in the mid 70’s and still holds the school’s record in the mile at 4:19.  Joe Meyers started brining his young son along with him on runs.  Scott was soon hooked.      He quickly emerged as one of Creek’s top runners.  After successful freshmen and sophomore seasons, Scott and his teammates entered his junior season as one of the top teams in the region.  However, the season nearly spelled disaster when Meyers tore cartilage in his right knee during warm-ups at the Alliance Running Invitational.  He missed the next two weeks of the season.  Meyers, however, made an amazing return and helped the Beavers to a fifth place finish at the state meet.      Over the past summer Meyers logged nearly 600 miles in preparation for his senior finale in cross country.  Meyers won the Centerville Stampede, finished 3rd at districts, and second at regionals.  “Going into to state I just wanted to get on the podium,” said Meyers.  “My goal was to start the race with the front pack.  I was leading at the mile.  I was like, Wow, I’m leading the state meet.”  Meyers remained with the leaders through the second mile.  Chad Balyo, the eventual winner, broke away from the pack leaving Meyers, Tommy Morgan (Kings), Skyler Schmitt (Tol. Whitmer), and Emil Heineking (Chardon).  Meyers found himself in 5th with 300 meters to go.  From that point, Meyers put together one of the best stretches of running in his life as he passed Heineking, Schmitt, and Morgan all in the last 180 meters to finish second in the state.      Scott is hoping for another magical performance during track season.  He put in solid training during the winter months.    Meyers signed with the Ohio State University in January to run track and cross country for the Buckeyes.  He will join state champ Chad Balyo in another strong Buckeye recruiting class.  Good luck Scott.

Sarah Matthews

Senior at Xenia High School

P.R. 's
Cross Country	19:20
Track	5:30 (1600)
	11:30 (3200)
Advice	"Strength, Courage and Patience"
Favorite Shoe	Brooks

 "Buc's Runner Chasing Records!"

Sarah Matthews is close; she’s really close.  The senior distance running standout at Xenia High School is within two seconds of setting the 1600 and 3200 meter school records.  Matthews has run a personal best of 5:30 in the 1600 which is just two seconds off Carmen Moody’s 5:28 set in 1993.  She also owns a p.r. of 11:30 in the 3200 which is also two seconds off Susie Barrett’s record of 11:28 set in 1988.      The Bucs’ top runner is looking to eclipse the marks soon.  “My next chance will be at the Aukerman Invitational at Fairborn,” she said.  “I really want to focus more on the two mile at the end of the year.”  Although, its Matthews’ “focus” that sets her apart from other athletes.  “I also focus on three things when I run strength (to run), courage (to push yourself), and patience (to achieve),” she said.  Matthews is not only “locked in” when running, she’s focused in the classroom, too.  She is currently ranked 15th in her class with a 4.3 g.p.a.      Sarah began her running career in the eighth grade.  “I was one of the faster kids on the soccer team, so I gave track a try,” she said.  Sarah credits her coaches Chris Hamilton and Brian Mathes for her development into on of the area’s best.  This past fall Matthews was district runner-up and finished 14th at regionals qualifying her for the state meet for the second consecutive year.  She finished 48th at state this year which is an improvement from her 66th place finish as a sophomore.       Last spring, Matthews won the Piqua district in the 3200, but finished 10th at the regional meet.  The following summer Sarah worked out with her team logging between 25-30 miles a week.  She’s also spent the last four years competing in the junior olympic circuit for Miami Valley Track Club.  “It’s been a great experience running for the club; it’s given me a lot of confidence,” she said.      Matthews will continue her running career at Wilmington College.  She will run track and cross country for the Quakers.  Good luck Sarah!