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Waterford senior stands out in multiple track events

RON JOHNSTON The Marietta Times Waterford senior Bethany Dawson won high-point honors at the Warren Warriors Invitational Saturday in Vincent.

Bethany Dawson

Waterford High

Year: senior

Age: 18

Sports: track&field, volleyball, cheerleading

Track events: 300 hurdles, high jump, long jump, 4 by 100 relay

College: Muskingum University

Major: Early childhood education

Honor: The winner of the annual T-shirt design contest for the 2018 Beverly-Waterford Bunny Hop

Family: Pat Dawson (father) and Crystal Smith (mother)

Question: Do you have a nickname?

Answer: (Smiles) I go by Beth.

Q: How long have you been running track?

A: (Laughs) For a really long time…since the third grade. I was actually born in Virginia, but I used to go to school in West Virginia.

Q: Where abouts?

A: I went to Waverly, which is a really small elementary school.

Q: So, if you hadn’t moved, you probably would’ve run track at Williamstown?

A: (Smiles) I would’ve been a Yellowjacket. But then my dad met my stepmom — and here I am.

I’m happy with where I am.

Q: What was your reaction when you heard your name announced over the Warren PA as being the top girls’ scorer at the Warrior Invitational?

A: (Smiles) It was pretty exciting, because this meet is close to my hometown. I know a lot of people here, and they come up to me and congratulate me. And that makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something. I get excited whenever I hear my name (over the PA)?

Q: Has that happened quite a bit this season?

A: It’s happened twice this year and almost three times. I lost to a girl from South Gallia (April 6) by two points.

“But my biggest thrill was probably when I got high-point at Rocky Brand (at Nelsonville-York) at the beginning of this season (March 30).

Q: I guess you could say that you’re having a pretty good track season?

A: (Smiles) Yep. It’s my senior year, and I’m trying really hard to push myself.

Q: What’s your best event?

A: Umm…It’s probably the 300 hurdles at the moment. But I also push myself pretty hard in the long jump. But I’ll do whatever Coach throws me in really.

Q: You scored 26 points at the Warrior Invitational. What’s the most points you’ve ever had?

A: That’s a good question. I can’t even answer it. I don’t really pay attention. I just run.

Q: You were a state qualifier, weren’t you?

A: No, I haven’t been, but I’ve been to regionals. I haven’t made it to state.

Q: Maybe this’ll be the year?

A: I’m trying really hard. I’m pushing myself in practice.

Q: What event are you hoping to qualify in?

A: At this point, I’m really shooting for long jump, because a lot of the really good long jumpers graduated. But I think I also have a chance with my 4 by 1 team (Torie Bosner, Jaelyn Bosner, and Lily Roberts). And, then, there’s the 300 hurdles if I try hard enough.

Q: Do you own any Waterford track and field records?

A: (Smiles) I don’t have any school records. I’m going for one in the 300 hurdles. Right now, my PR (personal record) is a 48, and the school record is 46. That’s my goal. I’ve just got to try a little harder.

Q: I understand you’re a pretty good high jumper, too?

A: I do high jump. Last year, Amy (Lang) and I butted heads a little bit, because we were so competitive. But when we’re off the field, we’re really good friends.

Q: Are you thinking about running track at Muskingum University?

A: I don’t know. I really haven’t talked to their coach yet. But…I could. I may want to focus on my education, though.

I considered Marietta College, but I’m not as familiar with Muskingum. So, it’s kind of going to get me out there and teach me how to be responsible — and get my life going on my own.

Q: Who had inspired you, or impacted you sports career at Waterford?

A: I think that my dad has been a really big influence on me and my running.(Laughs) When he punished me, it was never go to your room. It was go run, or you can be get better, because he said I had so much potential. A lot of the things I do, I really just do, because I want him to be proud of me.

Q: Any hobbies? What do you do off the track?

A: I love all kinds of art. I really enjoy calligraphy. I like writing words. I was the Best of Show for The Marietta Times calendar two years ago, I think.

I also like to play instruments. I play the ukulele and guitar. And I dabble in the piano. It’s fun.

Q: Do you write your own music?

A: (Laughs) No. I sing other people’s music.

Q: Do you have a favorite recording artist?

A: Billie Eilish. She’s a really good singer, and I love to listen to her music. It’s very calming.

Q: Anything else you’d like to add or shout out?

A: I was actually nervous to come over here to talk to you, because I’m not very good at getting my words together.

(Smiles) I’d really like to shout out my coach Rob Sury. He’s my second dad. He’s my track dad. He pushes me. He bribes me with milkshakes and stuff. Like, if I jump 16 feet, he’ll get me a milkshake. (Laughs) I mean, bribe a girl with food, and she’s going to do good. Right?

Ron Johnston, rjohnston@mariettatimes.com

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