Savannah Neu (c), Caroline Jenson (l), Courtney Pansza (hidden) and Rebekah Neu (r) swept the 800m at the Verrado/Buckeye District Meet, Arizona Milesplit Photo.
Savannah Neu has been selected as athlete of the week for winning all three distance races and qualifying for state in two of them at her district meet.
Savannah Neu might just be the fastest distance runner in the state who doesn't run cross country. Instead of hitting the trails during the hot late summer, she spends her fall season swimming. “If it was a winter sport I'd do it. I just am not sure I want to be running in the 110 degree heat." Her coaches have tried to recruit her, but so far she has opted to be in the cool pool. Being a mountain boy I can't say I blame her, but what she doesn't do in the fall she makes up for in track. After earning 20 points at the Verrado Qualifier, she replicated that effort at the Verrado/Buckeye District Meet, leading Verrado to a pair of mid distance sweeps and adding the 3200 for good measure.
So how did a swimmer make it out for the track? Well Savannah explained, “In middle school I was the only one that took the mile seriously. Plus I wasn't good at any other sports." Turns out joining the track team was a good move as she found success early on. When she got to high school, some 14 year old girls might be intimated to join a team that had won 4 straight district titles. Not Savannah. “I knew Caroline (Jenson) in advance, and Courtney (Pansza) and I became running buddies. We all push each other." The three of them team with freshman Samantha Deane for one of the fastest 4x800m teams in division 2.
Next year might be different with Caroline and Courtney graduating, but currently Savannah is focused on the here and now. Currently the Viper 4x800m team is ranked at the top of the division 2 standings. After placing 9th at the state meet last year they want to earn a podium finish this year. “It's been a cool experience. It'd be fun to say we got to place at state. I am just excited about that right now." Look for the harriers in black in a couple weeks at Mesa Community College. Whether they win or not, they will give their all and make it a good race.
Editor's Note: I know the results that I have posted for the Verrado/Buckeye District Meet are not completely correct, I was at the meet and have noticed several omissions. I have been seeking more official results.