PA Salute to Seniors - Luke Myers, Governor Mifflin

Governor Mifflin's Luke Myers just finished up his career, competing in high school track and field and cross country. He reflected on his experience by answering some questions for us in the latest Salute to Seniors feature. Stay tuned throughout the summer as we salute more of the graduating seniors that competed in their careers. Want to submit your own questionnaireClick here!

What was your most memorable race/competition?

My most memorable race occurred at the 2015 John H. Shaner Invitational Meet, where my teammates and I broke our school record in the 4x400 relay, running a 3:24.15.  We'd go on to lower our record to 3:22.22 the next weekend at our league championships, but the initial feeling of triumph that my teammates and I shared after becoming record holders was incredible.


Where did you face your biggest competition?

Without a doubt, my biggest competition came at track and field states.  I ran at states twice (2013 and 2016), and each time the competition was, as expected from the state meet, far stronger than any I had ever experienced.  Coming from my area, if you're a state-caliber runner, you never really have more than one or two people around you while racing.  Running an 800 in a pack of twelve runners was admittedly pretty overwhelming.


Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
To be honest, my greatest high school accomplishment has nothing to do with athletics.  I am most proud of what I accomplished academically, which includes being a National Merit Finalist and an AP Scholar with Distinction, serving as student representative on Governor Mifflin's School Board, and meeting Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and President Obama as a part of the United States Senate Youth Program (this was easily the coolest part of high school).

If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?

I would definitely find a way to be more confident on the cross country course.  I've always been primarily a track and field guy, and being a 400-800 runner doesn't naturally translate too well to cross country.  However, I think most of my struggles with cross country were mental, and I'm looking forward to conquering that in college.



What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?

I'm lucky to have never experienced a major setback, and I try not to take that for granted.  But I did run the Hershey course twice, and that's quite nearly a major setback...  

What will you miss the most?





Since I'm competing in college, I thankfully don't have to say goodbye to the running experience quite yet.  But I will miss my teammates and coaches a lot because they're incomparable and without them running will be a completely different endeavor.

Do you have any advice for younger athletes? 





Remember that in all likelihood, what you accomplish in life will be a result of education.  We all have a passion for track and field, and that's important; however, academics are paramount.  My dedication to studies in high school is a big reason why I have the opportunity to run at the Division I level in college.  You never know whether you'll end up in the same situation, so always give your best effort in the classroom.

How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?

My coaches have always pushed me to be a better athlete and person, and I'm so grateful for that.  It's sometimes difficult to find the motivation to give your best at practice each and every day, and my coaches have always made running a satisfying and enjoyable experience for me.  Working hard is definitely easier when you enjoy your work and know that it will pay off.

What are your college plans? 

I will be running cross country and track and field at Colgate University.  The Raiders compete at the Division I level in the Patriot League.  While there, I'll be studying political science and economics.

Shout-Outs?

Shoutout to Josiah, Shane, Jared, Lesko, Derek, Evan Williams, DLloyd, Carley and Heim.