Senior Mattox Marsh is Ready for a Breakthrough Season

                     Mattox Marsh (number 1425) with teammate Trevor Dugo

You can see runners who are on the cusp of a major breakthrough when you’ve coached for many years. Someone who possesses good speed generally has a significant upside as well, especially if they are new to running.  Combine good natural speed  with the dedication of a new runner and you have the makings of a champion.

Mattox Marsh is only a few tenths of a second slower in the 400 meters than his teammate Kobe Deutscher who won the 800-meter and 1600-meter state titles. Mattox never ran in middle school and just started to run cross-country his sophomore year in high school. He has only two lifetime track seasons under his belt.

Once Mattox's endurance catches up with his natural speed, look out. The day is coming soon when Mattox should run a significant person best. 

Mattox was favored to podium this fall in cross-country before the season was canceled. He will have to wait until spring to show his vast improvement to others with the exception of some possible team time trials this fall. Mattox ran number two behind Senior and Track State Champion Kobe Deutscher in our team cross-country time trials last summer. Mattox looked strong and fast.

Mattox was a first-team All-Sea Tac league Selection in both of his cross-country seasons and was a varsity member of two Washington State Runner-Up Cross-Country Teams. Mattox has also served as a team captain for the last two years. These are amazing accomplishments for anyone let alone someone who is so new to our sport.

What makes Mattox difference and sets him apart from most distance runners is his natural speed. He is definitely a mid and long-distance runner but his speed is also an incredible asset in a close race.

Mattox excels in all areas of life not just on the track. He is a great student, an incredibly nice and thoughtful young man, and his great heart is demonstrated by his volunteer activities in our community.

Mattox also has an outstanding work ethic. He will do what it takes to reach his goals. Mattox has also maintained a 3.8 GPA in a tough college-prep education environment.

Mattox does most of his volunteer work at the Thurston County Food Bank. He has focused his time and attention at the food bank to make a difference in the lives of others. Mattox also served as a  member of the Pope John Paul II ASB team.

Mattox certainly knows what it is like to share his life with others. With four brothers and four sisters, he has had ample opportunity to help and serve others. Service and care for others is part of his personality.

Mattox told me his favorite verse is Luke 1:37,  “ For nothing will be impossible with God”.  I love that verse too Mattox! Good choice. I see Mattox tackling new goals frequently with this Scripture in mind.

Mattox is thinking about going into Mechanical Engineering in college next year. He is undecided about a major but he definitely has the ability to make it in this challenging field. Mattox also has the ability to run in college as well. When Mattox sets goals, he really goes after them with all his heart and soul. I am looking forward to seeing Mattox go after his goals this year.

Mattox is not all work and no play though. When asked about his favorite running memory, Mattox said, “My favorite running memory is on the way home from state  championships when my teammates and I no longer had to worry about our diets”.  Let’s just say that Mattox and the team had a lot of fun at dinner that night and on the way home!  I don’t think his diet that night would have made any dietician's favorite food list.  

Mattox, have an amazing last year at JPII. You have worked hard and served as a role model in your time with us. I can’t wait to see what transpires this year as you enter your third year of competition. 

Like your favorite Scripture says, “For nothing will be impossible with God”, Luke 1:37.                                          

Blessings,

Coach Weber

Philippians 4:13

 

 

 

 

Mattox running in the state 3200-meter championships in his first year of running  long distance

 Mattox with his teammates on a ferry ride  taking the team to the district meet

         Mattox and the JPII Team in a group prayer with others at state

Mattox  Marsh and teammate Kobe Deutscher on the top step celebrating with their teammates after winning the district cross-country championship.