He broke out in his junior season at Northern (Calvert) and finished his high school career with four state titles. Now, Matt Bennett joins MileSplit's 2016 Salute to Seniors. After a seventh place finish at 3A State XC championships as a junior in 2014, he captured his first individual title as a senior in 2015. He then went on to win the indoor 1600 and outdoor 1600 and 3200. Bennett also competed at the New Balance Indoor Nationals in 2016, running 9:25.83 in the EE 2 mile. He finished his high school career with personal bests of 4:20,22, 9:25.32, and 15:58.20. Hear from Bennett below as he reflects on his high school running experience as part of our Salute to Seniors series.
Name: Matt Bennett
School: Northern (Calvert) High School, Owings MD
What was your most memorable race/moment?
So this wasn't a very significant race but it was honestly my most memorable. I was in the 4x800 in a regular league tri-meet during outdoor of my junior year. I was the anchor and our third leg dropped the baton on the last straightaway which forced me to begin my leg in a seven second hole. I was able to catch my opponent in the last few seconds with a 1:58 (unofficial) personal record. I've yet to hear a crowd at a track meet be louder than as I was closing in on him. It was a really fun time.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
I would say Jereamy Hall of Westlake was my main competitor my sophomore and junior year. He was in my conference and region so we raced all the time and we would always be neck-and-neck. On a more state-wide basis, I'm pretty sure Dalton Hengst of McDonogh was the only top Maryland runner that I raced against and have never beaten so I have to give him credit.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
Winning four state titles (XC, indoor 1600, outdoor 1600, outdoor 3200) were greatest accomplishments in my opinion.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I don't regret much but I probably should have run year-round my first two years of high school. I'd have to think I could have edged out a couple more close races if I was training/racing instead of playing baseball for the school.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Staying confident in myself mentally was my toughest challenge. I never dealt with any major injuries so the biggest hardship would just be running a bad race where I didn't get close to my PR. Sometimes it's hard to stay positive after a bad race.
What will you miss the most?
I'm going to miss the awesome environment that running with the team gives off. I've met practically all my close friends through running and I shared countless laughs in the warm-ups, cool-downs, stretches, bus-rides, etc.
What advice would you give to younger athletes?
You're not hurt unless you have a doctor's note. Also if you want to walk at practice...don't let coach see you.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
I played a lot of different sports growing up but Coach Dawson was the best coach I ever had. His non-stop, nerdy dedication to the sport really pushed me forward these past four years and influenced me to take my talents to college running.
What are your college plans?
I received a running scholarship to UMBC. I'm really excited about going there this fall.
Who would you like to say "thank you" to?
Parents, coaches and friends.
What was the funniest thing that happened during your running career?
Watching my teammate, Dylan Weamert, completely eat it in a steeplechase race.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I will be happy if my college career is half as fun as my high school career.
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