Tyler Scherer, a senior at Pennridge High School, didn’t plan on becoming one of the school’s standout sprinters. His journey to track and field began with a disappointment: he didn’t make the freshman basketball team. But instead of giving up on sports, Tyler pivoted. Encouraged by a friend who noticed his natural speed, Tyler decided to try out for track. This fateful decision has transformed his high school experience and given him new dreams. “I was quick, and my friend Will Munley suggested I try track,” Tyler says. With his speed and dedication, he soon found his stride as a sprinter. Specializing in the 100, 200, and 400 meters, Tyler has already made significant strides in just a few years.
One of his proudest moments came earlier this year when he set a personal record of 22.26 seconds in the 200 meters, exceeding his initial goal of 22.89. “I called my dad right after the race,” Tyler recalls, smiling. “I was so excited.” That call became a shared moment of triumph, a testament to his and his family’s dedication to his track career. Tyler’s dad has been a constant supporter, driving him to meets and practices and adjusting the family’s schedule around Tyler’s athletic commitments. “We spend our winters and springs at meets, picking him up from practices, and our vacations often revolve around his track schedule,” his dad shares. The whole family has become involved, with Tyler’s sisters even interested in running.
Beyond his family, Tyler credits much of his progress to the supportive environment of Pennridge’s track team. “I’m surrounded by a great group of people and phenomenal coaches,” he says. Since joining, he’s learned to manage his time between academics and athletics, balancing a rigorous schedule with the discipline required to succeed in both. He acknowledges that the values track has taught him—particularly patience, resilience, and hard work—extend beyond sports.
As a team captain, Tyler leads by example and encourages his teammates. He offers advice, supports them mentally, and helps maintain the camaraderie that has made the Pennridge team feel like a second family. “We push each other to be better, on and off the track,” he explains. The team also regularly participates in bonding activities outside of practices, strengthening the connections that make their shared success even more rewarding.
While Tyler’s discipline and work ethic are evident, he admits that mental roadblocks have been challenging. “Sometimes my mind couldn’t push past what my body was capable of,” he says. He’s developed a demanding training regimen to overcome this, including gym workouts, track sessions, and pre-race rituals. On race days, he fuels with honey stinger waffles and water and warms up with tuck jumps and A-skips to get his body race-ready.
Tyler’s coach has offered memorable advice that continues to motivate him: “Once your mind and body have given out, you’ve only hit 40% of what you’re capable of.” This mantra has pushed him to reach new heights, as he constantly strives to tap into that untapped potential. Now in his senior year, Tyler’s goals for this season are ambitious yet achievable. He aims to break 10.7 seconds in the 100 meters, 21.7 seconds in the 200 meters, and 48.8 seconds in the 400 meters. Achieving these times would solidify his reputation as one of the school’s top athletes and set him up for his next goal: running at the collegiate level. “I want to run Division 1 track and study sports psychology,” Tyler says. He has his eye on Iona University, where he hopes to merge his passion for athletics with a deeper understanding of the mental aspects of sports. Inspired by his own challenges with mental blocks, he aims to help other athletes tap into their full potential.
Tyler’s father, a former Division 1 football player and coach, understands the demands and sacrifices that come with competitive sports. “I played college football and have coached high-level athletes,” he explains. “It’s a full-time commitment.” He’s proud of Tyler’s resilience and growth, both as an athlete and as a person, and offers guidance while allowing Tyler to make independent decisions. The family’s support extends beyond encouragement; they’ve invested in equipment like spikes, practice shoes, and training aids to help Tyler reach his goals. Tyler also follows a disciplined routine at home, stretching every night and focusing on a diet that supports his intense training. For Tyler, the support he receives from his family, team, and coaches is invaluable. His dad especially has played a vital role, not only in practical ways but as a mentor who understands the complexities of athletic life. “I’m proud to see him learning to balance school and track,” his dad says. “He pushes himself in ways that other parents might not see.”
As Tyler looks ahead to his future in track, he remains focused on staying healthy, improving his times, and enjoying the high school experience. With his family, team, and coach by his side, Tyler Scherer’s journey from a basketball rejection to track success embodies the resilience and dedication that define true athletes. Each race, each personal best, and each practice brings him one step closer to achieving his dreams.
