GAME ON: The Player - Ryan Meehan

GAME ON: The Player - Ryan Meehan

Q & A with Ryan Meehan, Bishop Hendricken Track & Field

What are you looking forward to this season?

I have not won an individual state title yet and my primary goal in my last season of high school track is to win an event at the state meet. Our team is looking very competitive and I'm hoping to help the school win the 10th state championship in cross-country or track in the past four years that I've been a member of the team. I'm hoping to break 9 minutes for the two mile or 8:20 for the 3000m, run 4:15 in the mile, and 1:56 in the 800m.

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What has been the biggest challenge being a high school athlete?

The biggest challenge of being a high school athlete is learning to balance all the different areas of your life. Luckily I have been good at managing everything, but time management is definitely the most challenging part.

What is your biggest motivator?

My biggest motivation comes from people telling me I can't do something. When I started running, I was not the best freshman runner in the state or even on my team. I worked hard to get where I am, I don't like to lose, I draw the most motivation from the challenge of becoming better than people expect of me.

Who is your biggest rival?

Our biggest rival in track and cross-country is Lasalle Academy. They have a great program and always give us a tough battle. A Hendricken vs. Lasalle race always has a more intense atmosphere and seems to carry a greater weight to the outcome. My biggest personal rival on the track is Cranston West's runner, Bobby Allen. He defeated me in the last 100 meters of both the Cross Country State Meet and the Indoor 3000m state championship. Bobby is a great competitor and always offers a challenging race.

What are you working to improve your game?

This outdoor season I'm looking to continue to develop into a stronger runner in order to accomplish my goals. In addition to the high mileage strength workouts, I'm also working on supplementing my speed so I am able to have better finishes to my races.

What is your greatest memory on the track?

Out of all the great memories I have had over the years, there are four that really stand out. Our 2009 Cross Country Team won States, New Englands, Northeast Regionals and finished 10th in the nation. At the 2010 Outdoor National Championships, our 4xmile relay finished 2nd and set a New England Record time of 17:21. Winning the Indoor 2 mile at New Englands with a time of 9:21 and setting our school course record at the state meet with a time of 15:37 have also been special memories in my senior year.

How are you able to balance your schoolwork with practices, games, and training?

My ability to focus has given me the greatest advantage in managing my time. It is difficult to concentrate on schoolwork after coming home late at night and tired from a difficult practice, but I've always done a good job of blocking out distractions and finishing my work.

Where do you see yourself going from here, do you plan to pursue this sport in college?

Next year I will run cross-country and track at Harvard University. I hope to continue to develop as a runner in college and hopefully lead the cross-country team to an Ivy League Championship or an appearance at NCAA's.