By John Raffel
Portland St. Patrick track and field coach Dawn Fedewa can’t say enough positive things about her junior sprinter Rylee Sheurer.
“Rylee is a three-year spring dual sport athlete that excels in both track and softball,” Fedewa said. “After qualifying for track and field state finals as a freshman, she made the tough choice to forego state finals and compete with the softball team at districts, helping that team make a deep run in the tournament. This year the same decision was on the table, but Rylee made the choice to compete at Track and Field State Finals. Her season was driven by constantly redefining goals and balancing training for both sports. Those efforts, doing the small things right, had big impacts on her finishing no lower than third in any finals race that she ran.
“As the weather warmed up, Rylee’s times in the 100 and 200 began to drop consistently. And, when it counted most, she set personal bests at State Finals in the 100, finishing third, and as the State
Champion in the 200. Both races were school record efforts. Rylee’s achievements this year also helped her team win the first Regional Championship and State Finals Runner-up finishes in school history.”
Scheuer’s record sheet is as follows; 2023 Track State Finals: 1st 200M, 3rd 100 & 4×200, 4th 4×100; Regional champion and school record holder (all set in 2023) in 100 (12.63), 200 (25.82), 4×100 (51.87) & 4×200 (1:47.62); All-State 1st team Track & Softball; Academic All-State Track and Softball
“Rylee is incredibly coachable and has amazing body awareness,” Fedewa said. “She is able to make form corrections with minimal practice. Her ability to compete at a very high level in softball translated well to the track this year when it came time to perform in high pressure situations. She has an amazing drive to succeed and improve. The combination of all of these characteristics, coupled with her God-given talent, put her in the perfect spot to have the success that she did this season.
“Rylee has put in a significant amount work in the weight room during the offseason
and her improved strength was noticeable this year. As an athlete who is relatively new to track, Rylee’s confidence and consistency were noticeably improved this year, as well. Rylee has always been blessed with natural talent, but is driven by exceptional work ethic. Since she joined the team, she never skips a workout, even though the balance between two sports is tough.”
Fedewa added: “While her talent shines, during her sophomore season when she battled an injury, Rylee was an incredible teammate. She continued to come to every meet that she was able to, supporting her teammates in their efforts and encouraging them throughout the season.”
Fedewa noted most of Scheurer’s centers around softball. She also plays basketball.
“While most of Rylee’s offseason work centers around softball, the work that she puts in there has improved her speed, strength and agility,” Fedewa said. “Those abilities transfer exceptionally well, enhancing her abilities on the track. Rylee is still new to the sport of track which makes her top end potential something that is still developing. She has the strength to succeed in other events and will continue to fine tune form in those events that she already is successful in.
“Rylee has received interest from some Division I schools. Based on her current times, she would be
competitive in most college programs. She has also received collegiate interest for softball.”