School: Cheltenham High School
Personal Bests
400m: 47.92
800m: 1:48.33
300m Hurdle: 37.77
400m Hurdles: 52.46
During his High School career, John Lewis qualified for the PIAA T&F State Championships several times- In 2014 he placed 4th in the 400m ( 48.74) and in 2015 he placed 1st in the 800m( 1:48.72). In his final outdoor meet, he captured gold in the 800m at the 2015 New Nationals Outdoor meet. On top of the win, his time of 1:48.33 from the NBNO meet places him at #10 All-Time for the 800m.
What was your most memorable race?
The 800m at New Balance High School Nationals because I was able to get out 49 for my first 400 meters and was still able to maintain it. This shows me all the progress that I made from the past season. Also this race gave me a lot of confidence for next season
Where did you face your biggest competition?
I would say the Armory and Penn Relays because athletes came from all over the country to compete at those meets.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My Greatest Accomplishment: I would say winning Gatorade Athlete of The Year for PA because the people who won the award before me, most of them, are legends and for me to earn that award. Tells me that I have a lot of potential on doing something great.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
If I can do it all over again I would want to run more 200's because I always thought an open 200 was fun and interesting, but since I had to focus on other events I didn't really run the race that much.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most difficult thing I had to overcome were my grades. My first two years of High School, I was lazy when it came to school so I fell behind with having a low GPA. However, I changed my ways around and I started succeeding in school by making honor roll and studying harder.
What will you miss the most?
The thing that I will miss the most is my coach Doc Beale. I can say if it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be where I'm at now. He really pushed me and motivated me to grow as a person everyday. The most thing I will miss about him though is his jokes because they helped me relax before my races.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
My advice to younger athletes is to stay on top of your school work early and to also
be patient with your training. If you stay on top of your school work for your 9th and 10th grade year. It will take so much pressure off your shoulders about getting a scholarship for college. Colleges are looking for an athlete who succeeds more in class then on the field or track. Also be patient and trust the training of your coach. They won't lead you the wrong way you just have to believe in them and everything will fall in place.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
My coaches influenced me a lot with all my performances but not to the point where I can be satisfied. Every time I ran a fast race they would be excited for that day. But, the next time I practice they would work me harder because they see something in me.
What are your college plans?
In college, I will be running for Clemson University and I plan to major in PRTM ( Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management).
Who would you like to say thank you to?
would like to give thanks to my family especially to my Mom, Dad, and Brother Michael because they were my biggest fans and they always believed in me even when I had a bad race. I would also like to think the past Cheltenham Track and Field Alumni because without your words of wisdom. I wouldn't have known some pointers and ideas about Track. Finally I would like to thank my friends outside of track because those guys were there for me even before I knew track was the sport for me and I love every single person that helped me through hard situations and circumstances.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
One thing I would like to add is that I would like to give a special thanks to my teammates because every single one of us came from a long way and we helped continue a legacy that Cheltenham has for Track and Field.
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