Brendan Shearn is finishing up a fine career of running cross country and track and field for North Schuylkill high-school. Shearn was last year's state champion in the 3200 meter run and won the cross country title in 2011. Shearn is hoping to shine at states.
"Everything is going really well. I ran pretty well at the Penn Relays, so I'm feeling real excited. I know I'm running my best at the right times so by the time the end of may rolls around I should be ready to go," said Brendan Shearn.
George Kriesher is Brendan's coach.
"Certainly a natural stride. He's got a lot of strength. Where does that come from? I don't know. It's a funny thing he started running at a young age that helps, but it's hard work. He's definitely a hard worker. He's always been a hard worker since he was young and right thru his high-school career," said George Kriesher.
Brendan's accomplished just about everything a track athlete could hope to have-he's won league titles, district championships. He holds district records, he also won state championships, but he's got one thing left to put on his resume and that's run a sub 9 minute 2 mile and he'll have a chance to do that at the District meet this year just down the road at Blue Mountain high-school.
"I like that a lot because we don't have to travel so long and spend so many hours on the bus, but being right around the corner isn't too bad," again said Brendan.
"It takes a fast pace. It takes a lot of guts to go sub 9. So yeah! I think he can do it," again said George.
The District 11 AA record is 9.21.13 seconds held by Shearn. That's sure to fall this spring before Brendan embarks on the next chapter in his life-a college education at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
"U-Penn is a great school, and I can't wait to get down there. The coach is awesome. It's beautiful down there. The Penn Relays are one of the biggest track events in the country so I just can't wait to be down there next there," added Brendan.
To win back-to-back state titles in the 2 mile Brendan will deal with the pressure to repeat and a very strong field of runners especially from District II and IV.