the best-kept secret in BHS
athletics.
With four state champions
elite group that works together
as successfully as it functions
individually.
accident that they are so good,"
Smith states.
Beacham, Damien Creel, Jamie
Lader and Chris Kleis, is equally
as committed to their training
and progress. "We have high
expectations for the girls, and
they've bought into it," says
Smith, who's been coaching for
18 years.
members, Mia Knight and Leah
Roter, were recognized as All
Academic, All Ohio for main-
taining a 3.5 GPA or better.
He also points out that all the
girls are three-sport athletes,
and two Jaelyn Pounds and
Ashaunti Griffin play two
sports within the same season.
and they're maintaining out-
standing grades," Smith reports.
ence of being a winning team
member.
in my hamstring, I knew that
whatever happens, I would
give 110% the entire way.
When I got the baton, I flashed
through all the memories we
had made to get to that point,
and it was worth every bit as
we became state champions.
giving 110% to our races, but
we also know when we need
to lift each other up when one
is down. We're extremely close
on and off the track, as we
spend so much time together.
What I was blessed with goes
beyond my indoor and outdoor
state championship accom-
plishments I was blessed with
friendships that I will cherish
forever.
and I accomplished that in ev-
ery way. I went from 8th place
to a state champion in a year; I
went from 11th in the state in
the 100-meter dash to getting
on the podium and placing
6th in the state. I also led my
team to capture a state title
in the 4x100-meter relay, after
not even making it to the state
competition the previous year.
sprint or run, you can throw or
jump.
that pain is temporary but vic-
tory is forever. There are days
when practices are extremely
hard, not just physically but
mentally as well. Sometimes
I can barely stand or walk or
even get out of bed the next
morning because my legs are
so tired. But I've come to learn
how you overcome tough days
and obstacles. A champion isn't
made of muscle; a champion is
made of heart.
every week, and all day long which
takes up a lot of time. However, I re-
alized after a while that, for running
only a short period of time (with
the team), and achieving many
goals and awards, running just
comes naturally for me. But for the
one-mile run, I need to work much
harder than for the two-mile run. A
lot of girls have a better kick at the
end of the race. With the two-mile,
it requires endurance, and I have an
easier time keeping a consistent,
fast speed.
fast. But I wasn't in shape and
almost was the last place finisher
for a few races. However, as I
trained and got more in shape,
I ran faster. I've learned that
working hard would allow me to
succeed.
Katelyn Perryman, Mia Knight, Head Coach Willie Smith, Ashaunti Griffin and Hannah Kahn.