Mason Stewart setting the Pace for Uniontown this season

Each Cross-Country season, coaches have the difficult task of identifying who is going to step up and prove themselves to be a team leader for the upcoming cross-country season. Head Coach Joe Everhart of Uniontown did not have a hard time making his selection this year.  Senior Mason Stewart, one of the top returning runners in WPIAL AA boys, proved he was the man for the job.  "Mason has a very outgoing personality, and he loves to see his teammates improve" said Everhart. "If anyone shows any interest in running at all, he is always the first to encourage them and help them improve." 

Being a leader for his teammates is something Mason takes very seriously. Talking to them before each race and supporting each teammate as they cross the finish is something that Mason at does every meet. "Talking to my teammates before the race instead of worrying about myself helps me focus so much more on the race" explained Mason. 

Fellow senior teammate Tanner Uphold is having a breakout  cross country season this fall, knocking off nearly one minute from his 2021 personal best and Mason has a lot to do with that. "Mason is an amazing leader. He is always talking to anyone who has questions before races or who need help with training. Mason is always the first to get places and holds everyone accountable to coming practice. Before every race he gives me a game plan on how I can race and get better time than last time." Said Tanner.

This season Mason has two important goals that he would like to accomplish. The first is to help lead the boys Uniontown team to the PIAA Cross Country Championships and second, to medal and place in the top 25. In 2021, Mason placed 51st at the PIAA Cross Country Championships but the event was very overwhelming for Mason. "I was super nervous, I had never been to that competitive of a race before. It was brand new territory for me.  During the race my teammate and I had a lot of fun... we were talking the whole race, and after the race it was like a movie it was such an amazing experience." 

In 2021 Mason ran a 17:32, but this season he would like to break 16 minutes at the PIAA championships with his teammates at his side.  "I have high expectations for Mason and the rest of the team this year.  Our mantra this year is "Why not us!" We believe the 2022 team has the ability to go far and we hope to get them to believe that as well." Said Everhart. 

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Favorite Course - White Oak Park