Scholarship Winner 2006 : Ben Mears

Ben Mears, equally as bright with a 100 average at school and Valedictorian for his class, will be attending Amherst this Fall on a Full Scholarship. Nominated by his Coach, Carl Johnston, Ben didn't start out as one you'd think with running talent, but over the years his passion for the sport progressed his abilities to become a contender. Under Coach Johnston's guidance Ben made strong improvements this year in running to be able to make it to States and Federations. Ben, always seen as the smart one, has a magnificent ability to balance life, school, running and playing. He not only holds a part time job (you might read his column each week in the Fitnews), but holds a position on the Student Council, is a member of the Math Club, Captain of the Team and avid runner. He took it upon himself to maintain the team website which stores workouts, practice times, team communications, race calendar and more. He also helped arrange practices and ways for fellow runners to attend practice. While the fastest on his team, you could find him at races finishing the event then running to see the remainder of his team finish versus relish in his own accomplishments.

Here is Ben's Essay on "Why he Runs".

“Why I run?” This is a question I face each and every day. Whether it be as I walk out the door to run in the pouring rain, slip and slide on the roads and trails on an arctic day, or spend each night after practice stuffing newspaper into my shoes to dry them only to have them become soaked again the first 100 meters of the warm-up. I must always convince myself that the transient inconveniences and pains are in the end a slight nuisance compared to the benefits and rewards I reap from running.

Of course there are the obvious physical gains from running, but for me, these are only a minor consideration. In truth, the true benefits of running come from the feeling of accomplishment as I fulfill my goals and the supportive and inviting environment running breeds. Not the most physically gifted athlete, I struggled in sports throughout elementary and middle school. Since I could not hit a baseball, kick a soccer ball, throw a football, or really do anything involving any sort of ball, the only sport in which I had any hope of being truly successful in was cross country. The beauty of running is that the effort you put forth is proportional to the results you obtain. Although natural talent does play a role in determining the maximum potential of a runner, the potential cannot be obtained unless the work is put forth. Consequently, an average runner can become a great runner through hard work, determination, and smart training.

A major success for me has been my own progression as a runner. In sixth grade, I could barely run an eight minute mile and now, 6 years and thousands of miles later, I could lap my former self twice in a mile race. Even the differences between this year and my junior year are enormous. I am now a more confident and stronger runner. I no longer try to run “someone else’s race” but instead rely on what my body tells me and “run my own race.”

I also enjoy running for the encouraging and welcoming atmosphere it creates. Unlike other sports, runners form friendships not rivalries with their competition. Over the years, I have made many friends from other schools. Although we try as hard as possible to beat each other in races, this competition does not get in the way of lasting friendships. The main goal is to run faster, not to beat a certain person, and consequently competition in cross country is mutually beneficial as it helps both runners reach their goals.

Running has been an important outlet in my life. In periods of turmoil and stress, running remains the one constant in my sometimes hectic world. As I progress towards college and beyond, I hope that running remains an important facet of my life.