Cross-Country Track Meets Make For Best Birthday Present For Andre Ewers

 

Summer vacation has a different meaning for Andre Ewers. After competing at the state meet and Golden South Classic in Florida, he began a cross country road trip to compete against the nation’s best runners and improve his track and field resume. Last week he headed to Albuquerque,New Mexico for the Great Southwest Classic. This week he traveled from home base in Fort Lauderdale to New York City, home of Saturday’s Adidas Grand Prix and the Dream 100 which the Piper class of 2014 star received a golden ticket to attend. Ewers says the last couple of weeks have been amazing.
 

“I have been having fun. It’s everything I’ve dreamed of.  Even though I lost my first race of the season I finished as the state runner up in both the 100 and 200 meter dash. That meet only got me stronger and opened up my eyes to work on.”

 

Ewers had the same result at Golden South that he did at the 4A State Finals, a second place showing behind fellow Dream 100 entrant Terry Jernigan. However, he didn’t want his season to end on a sour note. The senior had to decide between attending Great Southwest or attending his graduation and dinner banquet. Knowing that he had already graduated  he says track won over.

“At the end of the day, I was more than happy because I won the elite 100 meter dash and was a member of the 4x100 meter relay team that won gold in 40.68.”

 

That Saturday was also another special occasion, Ewers birthday. He hasn’t been able to celebrate the traditional way with cake, ice cream, or presents, but that is just fine.  Those “gifts” are coming in other forms. Shortly after his performance in New Mexico the sprinter who owns a personal best of 10.31 was invited to the Dream 100 in New York City, an opportunity he says he is looking forward to.

 

“I’m looking forward to this great experience and field full of competition. I know it’s going to be great because I’ve never been to New York. Being able to compete in these meets means a lot to me. I’m not used to flying back and forth competing in different states so I have been trying to manage my time wisely and train smart.”

 

Besides Jernigan, six-time state champion Kendal Williams, who competed in last year’s Dream 100 will also join him in the field.  A native Jamaican, Ewers, who moved to Florida when he in fifth grade is looking forward to the international athletes compete as well. One in particular he says wants to see is fellow islander Yohan Blake.

 

“I’ve looked up to Yohan Blake ever since I got into track and field. Hopefully, I can get an autograph with a picture with him this weekend as well.”

Ewers considered several colleges such as LSU and Auburn, but his ACT scores were his downfall. He decided to choose JUCO power South Plains because the academics combined with a great track and field program fit his needs.  Regardless of the outcome this weekend, New York won’t be the final stop in his high school career. The talented youngster has been invited to the Brooks PR Invitational in Seattle, adding another west coast swing to his itinerary and even more frequent flyer miles to his account. He says this meet will be the cherry on top to a spectacular senior year.

 

“I was told the best in the country is being invited to that meet. I’m happy and proud to be a part of an elite group knowing that all the sacrifice, hard work, and dedication I’ve put in over the last year is paying off. Right now, I am taking it one meet at a time; staying humble and hungry for the next challenge. I want to do big things and leave a legacy behind in high school; a legacy that I can roll over into college and take my performances to a higher level.”