Sophomore

PRs:
5k XC — 15:40.40 (2008)
1600m — 4:26.80 (2008)
3200m — 9:34.98 (2008)


Woodward Academy's Nathan Vassey has wasted no time stamping himself as one of Georgia's top up-and-coming runners. Only a sophomore, Nathan is already a four-time region champion in track and cross country (3 times last season when Woodward competed in Region 2-AAAA, and in cross country this season competing in Region 4-AAA) and has shown a knack for saving his best performances for the end of the season. In addition to his region championships as a freshman, Nathan logged a top ten finish at the AAAA State cross country meet and top five finishes in two events (including a stellar 9:34.98 runner-up performance in the 3200 meter run) at the AAAA State track meet during his inaugural campaign. At the AAA State cross country this fall, Nathan again saved his best for last, finishing second and recording the 3rd fastest time, regardless of classification, on the day (15:53.89).

That Nathan ran so well at the state meet was no surprise given his consistent performance throughout the fall. Nathan was the individual champion at 6 meets during the season, including a couple of large invitationals. He ran his 5k cross country PR of 15:40.4 while winning the Bob Blastow Early Bird Invitational, a meet that always produces a deep, fast field.

Off the course, Nathan is a member of Woodward's band and Honor Guard and an exceptional student — his status as a Gold Eagle Roll Student (Woodward's highest academic achievement) can attest to his academic talent. Moreover, he has already matured into a strong leader, both in word and action. He draws rave reviews from coaches for his work ethic and, despite his youth, has already become a mentor to other Woodward runners.

Junior

PRs:
5k XC – 19:03.61 (2008)
1600m – 5:33.03 (2008)
3200m – 11:44.32 (2008)


Marist junior Megan Mavity has long been a leader on the track and cross country course. Since her freshman track season, when she posted Marist's fastest times for 1600m and 3200m, Megan has led the Lady War Eagles to increasingly impressive team performances, including an impressive run at the 2007 AAAA state cross country meet, where she finished fifth overall to pace Marist's runner-up showing. This fall, Megan battled with teammate Sophie Harkins (our September WSOM) for Marist's top spot through most of the season, but returned to her accustomed perch atop the field when it mattered most, finishing third overall (and first for Marist) and leading the Lady War Eagles to the AAAA state cross country championship.

While Megan certainly lets her feet do plenty of talking, she makes perhaps an even bigger impression with her voice. Megan's singing talents have earned her the opportunity to perform as a soloist at several major events. She has performed the national anthem before a Braves-Red Sox game, a UGA-Georgia Tech baseball game, and was a featured soloist for the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Veteran's Salute and Annual Christmas Parade. In addition to her melodious singing voice, Megan is also a gifted Spanish speaker. She placed first in Georgia for her score on the National Spanish Exam (for Spanish III), has received Marist's Spanish III Award two years in a row and has been a member of the Spanish Honor Society since 2007. Megan has even parlayed her Spanish skills into a volunteer opportunity working as an ESL instructor at Centro Catolico de Espiritu Santo.

Megan also uses her altruistic nature to benefit the Marist community. She is a member of the school's EDIN (Eating Disorders Information Network), has led several group retreats, and serves as a Youth Group Worship Leader.