Today, we salute Ben Heim of Washington High. Heim earned a state medal in cross country last fall when he placed ninth in Class A. In the spring, he ran 1:55.95 to take ninth in the Class AA 800 meters at the PIAA State Championships.
------------
What was your most memorable race/competition?
My most memorable race was the Cross Country State Championship my junior year. I believed I could place top 25 and earn a medal. My first two miles looked great, considering I split a new 2 mile PR. After running 10:38, I hit the wall and had nothing left to give. Over the span of the last mile I went from 22nd to 41st place, losing out on medalling. After throwing up, I told myself I would go out more conservatively next year and would use this a learning experience.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
I saw my biggest competition at the 2016 State Final for the 800m. I was lined up next to eleven big name runners with impressive reputations. That race ended up being so fast that my 1:55.95 missed medalling by one place! This was a huge race for me because it set me to believe I was capable of being next year's state champion and would not let anything take that from me.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
There were three major accomplishments that defined my Track/XC career: being part of a sub-8 minute relay team that won states my freshman year, running 1:55 junior year, and placing 9th at states for cross country senior year.
I would say winning states as a freshman was the biggest and most influential event because it gave me tons of confidence and made me believe I had talent. It gave me the "no one can beat me" mentality that played a huge role in my successes.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
If I could change anything, I would have enjoyed and appreciated each moment more. I spent seasons looking forward to the next championship race that I forgot to enjoy the process. It is important to not be too serious about running all the time.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
My senior year was full of ups and downs. I had an awesome summer of training and went into the XC season full of confidence. I ran great at the Red White & Blue Invitational but started feeling tendonitis shortly after. I took a week off, came back to run 15:42 at the Pittsburgh Great Race, then rested another two weeks because of the pain. When I finally came back, my times were slower than what I ran during junior year. I was becoming discouraged. I placed tenth at WPIALS and was unhappy with the time. I went to states with no expectations, but my fitness caught up to me at the right time and I was able place within the top 10 at states. Imagine what I could have done with a full season of training.
Going into track season, I still believed I could be the 800m state champion. My training was going well, but I ended up tearing my hamstring during the second week of the season. I was confined to the stationary bike, and it quickly became too late in the season to qualify for WPIALS and States. This was tough for me but I accepted the fact that it is better to be healthy as I go into summer training than rush the healing process and risk re-injury.
What will you miss the most?
I think I will miss meeting and hanging out with all the WPIAL runners that I have become friends with over the years the most. It was always so fun to go to invitationals and warm up, race against, and cool down with my rivals.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Do not set limits on yourself, you will be surprised with what you can accomplish if you set your mind to it. Also, enjoy the process.
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?
Coach Jessica Ott, Jen Hiles, and Susie Schneck pushed me to be the best I could be. Although there were many bumps along the way, they always believed in me and wanted the best for me. Thank you.
What are your post-high school plans?
This fall I will be studying psych at Washington & Jefferson College. I will continue running track and cross country with goals of becoming All-American.
Shout-Outs?
Big thanks to the upperclassmen on the 4x800 relay my freshman year for showing me what comes from hard work. Good luck to my WPIAL bros next year at college, especially the 800 gang. Huge shout out to ya boi Austin Sperl for being my training partner and for all the crazy stupid memories.
K.A. Dub Jay!