Neshaminy Track’s Sean Conway to run with Bison at Bucknell
LANGHORNE – Neshaminy senior Sean Conway is headed to Bucknell University. He says he has Redskins track & field coaches Shawn DeLosAngeles and Syd White to thank for helping him to the next level.
“When I had a tough (hamstring) injury last year, they really helped me through, making sure I could get in the maximum amount of practice without hurting myself and making sure that everything was good to go for this year,” said Conway.
“Everything is going great now.”
Just last month in a Track & Field Coaches Association of Greater Philadelphia (TFCA of GP) meet at Lehigh University’s Philip Rauch Fieldhouse, Sean placed first in the 800-meter dash, hitting the tape in 1:58.16. Blazing fast, it was a new school record, outpacing the previous mark of 1:58.88 set by Paul Hallman in 2000.
A week later at the Lutnick Track Center in Haverford in another TFCA of GP meet, he finished first in the mile after crossing the line in 4:36.87.
“Bucknell is getting a versatile athlete up to any challenge asked of him,” stated DeLosAngeles. “He is a state-caliber runner in both the 400- and 800-meter events. His strength and acceleration are key attributes that will serve him well next year and beyond at Bucknell University.
DeLosAngeles adds that Conway hasn’t even hit his ceiling. And the coaches are right there, pushing Sean to reach his true potential.
“Coach DeLosAngeles has me for practices and is always working me very hard and making sure that I’m prepared for each meet,” added Conway.
“Coach White overlooks everything and makes all the strong decisions as to what I should be running this weekend and how it will affect me for the future in districts and states.”
The PTFCA Indoor State Track & Field Championships are set for this Sunday, Feb. 28 at Penn State.
Last year in indoor states, Conway captured a pair of ribbons. Individually, he medaled in the 400-meter dash, taking home a sixth-place ribbon after crossing the finish line in 50.22. Along with Class of 2015 grads Russel Boop, Ben Matzge and Dave Marrington, he and his pals took third in the 4×400-meter relay.
In the process, the group set a new school record in the event after finishing the relay in 3:22.59.
More recently, Conway – along with teammates Steve Caldwell, Josh Lehman and Rusty Kujdych – grabbed a silver medal in the distance medley relay (DMR). The boys finished the event in 10:43.64 – also a new school record – in the Ed Poreda Invitational held Jan. 27 at the Lawrenceville School.
Sean’s fastest time in the 400 – his signature event – is 50.12, recorded in the PIAA District 1-AAA outdoor track & field championships in May of 2014.
It’s the leadership qualities that Conway possesses that stand out the most. The coach says he takes his role as team captain very seriously.
“I have met few individuals that equal Sean’s dedication, passion and enthusiasm for his team and his sport,” said DeLosAngeles. “I have found him to be an extremely committed and organized individual who has consistently displayed superior personal standards with the goals he sets and his drive to reach them.”
“He is the member of the team all underclassmen look to when they are in need of guidance and leadership.”
The hamstring injury, which threatened Sean’s hopes in indoor states last year, only served as a motivating force for Conway in his final campaign.
“The injury has been a motivating factor,” said DeLosAngeles. “He’s driven to push himself more now than ever before.”
It has also expanded Conway’s range, allowing him to develop stronger endurance. Before, you could always count on Sean in the 400. Now, he’s a duel threat in both the 400- and the 800-meter races.
And that’s what you call a blessing in disguise.
Contact the author at ssherman@21st-Centurymedia.com or @BucksLocalSport on Twitter
