CB West Hurdler Closing in on School Record

It's a sunny, but brisk Sunday morning at War Memorial Field, and Shawn Young is 30 minutes deep into a workout routine that has made him one of the top runners on the CB West track team.

It's a long way from when he started running track in the seventh grade as just something to do. It wasn't until high school when he started getting serious about it and noticed that he's pretty good.

"A couple of my friends got really good, and I just wanted to keep up with them," said Young.

That renewed focus and determination has taken the CB West senior to less than a second away from breaking the school record in the 300-meter hurdles. The current time is 38.6, set by Bob Paiste in 1973. Young's best time stood at 39.5, just inches from the record. It's the second best time in the school's history, but that was not good enough for Young.

"I want that record," said Young. "I'm going to break it. I've been cutting time off every week."

He cut it back even more on Tuesday when he tied the record during a home meet against Pennridge.

The clock is ticking for Young to beat the record before the season ends. With his focus on the track, he is also putting his attention on the college selection process. His performance on the field and classroom achievements, including honor roll and AP courses, made a few colleges take notice.

"I've narrowed it down to West Chester and Moravian," said Young. "Track is really big at those schools, but I am also interested in the business programs."

His quest for the record certainly doesn't hurt the rest of the team. Besides dominating the hurdles, Young also runs in the 400, 200 and 100 meters, collecting first place finishes along the way.