Evan Matthews will stay home in Columbus and compete for the Buckeyes next year.
Evan Matthews capped off his tremendous high school career by being named Ohio's 2019 Gatorade Track and Field Player of the Year. The honor, which recognizes the state's top overall athlete, goes to Matthews following a season that saw him claim Division 1 state titles in the 300 hurdles, as well as the 4x200 and 4x400 relays along with his Pickerington Central teammates.
Matthews ran leg 2 in the 4x200 and was the anchor in the 4x400 for the formidable Tigers squads. At the state meet, he clocked 36.88 in the 300H and earlier in the postseason he established the US No. 1 time of 36.12 at Pickerington North.
MileSplit reached Evan to inquire about what this recognition means to him -
"First I have to thank God for the opportunities he's provided and the abilities he's given me. To see all my hard work and dedication to this sport pay off is a blessing."
"This year has been a whirlwind, but I can't thank my teammates enough, especially Jaydan and Terry for pushing me and helping me through this amazing journey. I also want to thank Coach Peppers, who instilled a winners mentality in me on the track and believed in me even when I wasn't producing the results that I was capable of."
"Last but not least, I want to thank my amazing parents who showed me there's more to life than track. They've showed me what it takes to be a leader and how dedication and hard work can turn into blessings."
Watch Matthews drop a US No. 1 during regional competition -
Official Press Release -
Related Link -