On Thursday morning, Gatorade announced via official press release that the soon-to-be Arkansas Razorback, Taylor Ewert is this year's recipient of Ohio's 'Track and Field Player of the Year' award.
Ewert, who also won the state's Gatorade XC POY for her work in the fall of 2019, adds yet another honor to her impeccable high school resume.
Whether it was out in the cross country fields, on the track, in individual competitions or through team-based pursuits, Ewert excelled at whatever she tried her hand at during a distinguished four year career at Beavercreek.
The many-time state champion keyed in on the 1600, 3200 and 4x800 relay races during the traditional scholastic calendar, but saved some of her best efforts for the steeplechase and race walk events at national and international gatherings. Ewert was the 2000m steeplechase champion at New Balance Nationals Outdoor in 2019 and in the race walk, she's earned numerous national titles and owns several U20 American records.
In addition to all of the race victories and fast finishing times, Ewert was well-known for demonstrating a high degree of sportsmanship and for being an athlete who elevated the level of competition displayed by both her teammates and her opponents.
Following her reflection on today's news, Taylor penned some thanks to her coaches, teammates and family.
"It's an honor to be named the 2019-2020 Ohio Gatorade track athlete of the year. Even though my senior track season didn't end the way I imagined, I'm grateful for the few races I was able to run in."
"The athletes that have received this award before me have gone on to do great things and to join the list is something I will always take pride in. I would also like to thank my high school coaches, Russ and Weckesser for shaping me into the athlete I am today."
"I'd also like to thank my parents, teammates and family and friends for supporting me throughout high school. I hope to continue to make them proud in college and beyond."
-- Taylor Ewert
Official Press Release
